Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma on Wednesday mounted a strong legal challenge in the Supreme Court against the constitution of an inquiry committee by the Lok Sabha Speaker to investigate corruption allegations against him. He contended that the move violated the mandatory procedure laid down under the Constitution and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.

Appearing for Justice Varma, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi told a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma that impeachment motions against the judge were moved simultaneously in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha on July 21, 2025. He argued that in such circumstances, the law requires the formation of a joint inquiry committee by both Houses, rather than unilateral action by one.

Rohatgi asserted that the Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision to constitute a three-member committee became legally untenable once the Rajya Sabha motion was rejected. He also questioned the authority of the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha to reject a motion that had earlier been admitted, calling the subsequent inquiry panel “non est” in law.

Also Read: Allahabad HC Rejects PIL for Special Voter Revision in UP Panchayat Polls

The Supreme Court bench, however, raised doubts over this interpretation, observing that the Judges (Inquiry) Act does not explicitly bar one House from proceeding if the other rejects a motion. Justice Datta questioned where the law prevents the Lok Sabha from appointing a committee independently under such circumstances, prompting further legal debate on the scope of parliamentary powers.

The case arises from allegations linked to the recovery of burnt currency notes from Justice Varma’s official residence in March 2025. Following an in-house inquiry that found him guilty of misconduct and his refusal to resign, impeachment proceedings were initiated. Justice Varma has now sought quashing of the Lok Sabha Speaker’s actions, arguing that the entire process is unconstitutional and contrary to established statutory safeguards.

Also Read: Supreme Court Directs CAQM to Act on Delhi Pollution and Toll Plazas Without Delay