LS panel says charges against Justice Varma proved

A panel appointed by Lok Sabha Speaker to investigate allegations of unexplained cash found at Justice Yashwant Varma's official residence has concluded that the charges against him are proven. In its report submitted to both houses of Parliament, the three-member committee formed under the Judges (Inquiry) Act stated that Justice Varma failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the presence, source, or ownership of the discovered cash.

The panel also noted that material evidence was not properly secured or preserved, and the storeroom's evidentiary conditions were disturbed prior to lawful sealing and inspection. Furthermore, Justice Varma's explanation was found to lack candor, transparency, and institutional responsibility, appearing evasive and unsatisfactory in light of independent official witnesses and corroborative material.

The committee has recorded its final findings that Articles of Charges I, II, and III are proven, as detailed in the consolidated findings within the report submitted to Parliament. The two-volume report, along with oral and documentary evidence gathered during the investigation, was submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in May.

Nearly 200 MPs had called for Justice Varma's removal, leading to his resignation, although his resignation has not yet been officially notified by the law ministry. A fire incident occurred in Justice Varma's official residence on March 14, 2025, where firefighters discovered significant amounts of burnt currency in a storeroom. Following his resignation, efforts to remove Justice Varma have become futile.