MUMBAI — Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday stated that the issue of Justice Yashwant Varma’s impeachment is not currently before Parliament, and hence, there is no merit in discussing it at this stage.
“We can discuss the issue when it is brought before Parliament. There is no point talking about a matter that is not before the House,” Birla told reporters on the sidelines of a conference in Mumbai.
🔹 Background: Allegations Against Justice Varma
Justice Varma, a judge of the Delhi High Court at the time, came under scrutiny after burnt sacks containing cash were discovered during a fire incident at his residence in March. Although he denied any knowledge of the money, a Supreme Court-appointed in-house panel indicted him following an inquiry that included witness testimonies and his own statement.
Following the investigation, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna wrote to the President and Prime Minister, recommending Varma’s removal. The judge, however, refused to resign when prompted by Justice Khanna.
Justice Varma has since been transferred to the Allahabad High Court, his parent court, where he has not been assigned any judicial work.
🔹 Impeachment Process: What the Law Says
Under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, an impeachment motion can be introduced in either House of Parliament. The requirements are:
- ✅ At least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha
- ✅ At least 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha
Once admitted, the Speaker (or Chairman) forms a three-member committee to investigate the charges. This committee includes:
- The Chief Justice of India or another Supreme Court judge
- The Chief Justice of a High Court
- A distinguished jurist
🔹 Parliamentary Timeline
The upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to run from July 21 to August 12, during which such a motion could potentially be introduced—if political consensus is reached and formal procedures are initiated.