“A victory For The People”: Allahabad HC Bar President Hails Impeachment Move Against Justice Yashwant Varma

Justice Yashwant Varma

Anil Tiwari, President of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association, has welcomed the Union Government’s reported decision to initiate impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma.

The move comes in the wake of serious allegations involving the alleged recovery of cash from the judge’s residence.

Calling it a “victory for the public,” Tiwari said the step would reinforce trust in the judicial system.

“The trust of the public is the foundation of the judiciary’s power,” he said. “This motion sends a strong message that the voices of the people are being heard, and it reaffirms that no one is above accountability.”

He further appealed to all political parties to support the motion, saying it is a necessary action in the interest of justice and public confidence.

Backdrop

The controversy stems from allegations of misconduct involving Justice Yashwant Varma. Earlier this month, an internal judicial panel submitted its findings to the then-Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna. The report has since been forwarded to both the Prime Minister and the President of India.

While details of the report remain confidential, the matter gained national attention when the Supreme Court declined to entertain a public interest plea seeking a First Information Report (FIR) against the judge.

SC Urged Due Process

The plea, filed by Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara, was dismissed by a bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka, who emphasized that proper procedures must be followed. The court advised the petitioner to first make a formal representation to the President and Prime Minister before seeking any judicial intervention.

“File a representation before those authorities first… then file a writ seeking mandamus,” the bench suggested.

Justice Oka also remarked that neither the court nor the petitioner was privy to the contents of the internal report, reinforcing that the matter was being handled in accordance with established procedure.

A Test of Judicial Accountability

The reported move by the Centre to initiate impeachment proceedings reflects growing public demand for transparency and accountability within the judiciary. Though rare, such actions signal that the system can self-correct when allegations arise against those in high office.

As the process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Parliament and political parties, who will ultimately decide the outcome of the motion. Tiwari’s remarks underscore the broader sentiment: that public confidence in the judiciary must remain paramount, and that no one—regardless of position—should be shielded from scrutiny.