Justice Yashwant Varma submits resignation to President
What's the story
Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has submitted his resignation to the President. He was earlier transferred from the Delhi High Court back to Allahabad amid a controversy over alleged cash discovery at his residence following a fire last year. The money was found in various rooms of the judge's bungalow while he was away.
Letter
Letter to president
In his letter, Justice Varma wrote, "While I do not propose to burden your august office with the reasons which have constrained me to submit this missive, it is with deep anguish that I hereby tender my resignation from the office of Judge of Hon'ble High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, with immediate effect." "It has been an honor to serve in this office."
Varma
Prima facie evidence against Justice Varma
The controversy began in March 2025 when a fire at his official residence in Delhi led to the alleged recovery of large amounts of cash. Justice Varma was not present during the incident and has denied any wrongdoing, claiming no cash was recovered. Following the incident, an in-house probe was initiated by the then Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna.
Panel
CJI asked Justice Varma to resign
The panel, which found prima facie evidence against Justice Varma, submitted its report to CJI Khanna on May 4. On receiving the report, the CJI asked Justice Varma to resign or face impeachment proceedings. However, when Justice Varma refused to resign, CJI Khanna forwarded the report and the judge's response to the President and the Prime Minister, urging them to remove the judge.
LS
Lok Sabha Speaker initiated process to remove Justice Varma
In August 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla initiated the process to remove Justice Varma by constituting a three-member panel after an impeachment motion to remove him was submitted by 146 Lok Sabha members. Justice Varma had challenged the panel's validity in the Supreme Court, arguing that his removal motion was rejected by the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha. However, his plea was dismissed.