Allahabad High Court Judge Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Cash Recovery Probe; Impeachment Process Ends

Justice Yashwant Varma has resigned from the Allahabad High Court amid an ongoing inquiry into the alleged recovery of a large stash of cash from his official residence. The resignation was sent to President Droupadi Murmu, though no reason was specified.

The development comes just as Justice Varma was set to present his defense before an inquiry panel probing corruption allegations. Sources indicate that the prosecution had already concluded arguments, with nine key witnesses examined against him.

Impeachment Proceedings Now Closed
With his resignation, the impeachment process initiated by Parliament is expected to come to an end. Notably, resignation allows him to retain post-retirement benefits such as pension—privileges that would have been forfeited had he been removed through impeachment.

The impeachment motion, backed by over 200 MPs across both Houses, had led to the formation of a three-member inquiry panel under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Inquiry Panel & Investigation
The probe panel included:
1. Aravind Kumar (Supreme Court Judge)
2. Shree Chandrashekhar
3. B V Acharya

Earlier findings from an in-house inquiry reportedly suggested that Justice Varma had “secret or active control” over the cash recovered.

Cash Recovery Controversy
The controversy dates back to March 14, 2025, when partially burnt currency notes were allegedly discovered in a storeroom at his official residence in Lutyens Delhi during his tenure at the Delhi High Court.

Justice Varma had denied any connection to the cash, stating neither he nor his family stored money there.

Following the incident, the Supreme Court of India withdrew his judicial work and transferred him back to his parent court in Allahabad, directing that no judicial responsibilities be assigned.

Resignation Letter
In his letter, Justice Varma expressed “deep anguish” over his decision but chose not to disclose the reasons behind stepping down. A copy was also sent to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

Legal & Procedural Context
Justice Varma had earlier challenged the constitution of the inquiry panel, arguing procedural lapses in forming the committee without joint consultation between the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman.

Despite these objections, proceedings continued until his resignation effectively halted the process.

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