CPI MP writes to parties seeking support for impeachment of Justice Varma

New Delhi: CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar has reached out to political parties, urging support for an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma, who was indicted by a Supreme Court-appointed probe panel following the discovery of burnt cash at his Delhi residence.

A statement from the Communist Party of India’s parliamentary wing confirmed that Kumar has formally written to the presidents of all political parties.

"If proven true, these allegations are not only a gross betrayal of public trust but also a serious affront to the integrity of our judicial institutions," Kumar said in his letter and urged all political parties to rise above partisanship and take constitutional responsibility to safeguard the credibility of India's judiciary.

Invoking the provisions of Article 124 (establishment of Supreme Court) and Article 218 (provisions concerning removal of judges) of the Constitution to initiate impeachment proceedings, the CPI MP said, "The legislature cannot be a silent spectator when such grave questions of judicial propriety and public accountability are raised." He also called for a “nationwide political dialogue on making the judiciary more accountable, inclusive, and socially representative.” Kumar added that the judiciary continues to remain opaque in its appointments and largely unrepresentative in terms of caste, gender, and regional diversity.

"Our courts must reflect the plural character of Indian society. Accountability mechanisms for the higher judiciary are long overdue. What we are facing today is not an isolated case of alleged corruption—it is a systemic failure that demands both institutional reform and democratic will," he said.

Government sources on Tuesday indicated that the Centre is considering introducing an impeachment motion against Justice Varma in Parliament.

With the Monsoon Session set to begin in the second half of July, an impeachment motion is seen as a likely course of action if Justice Varma, who was transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court after the controversy, does not step down voluntarily.

Former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna had previously recommended Varma’s impeachment in a letter to the president and prime minister. However, an official source clarified that the formal process has yet to commence, with the government planning to consult opposition parties before proceeding.

Varma has denied any connection to the cash discovered at his outhouse following a fire, maintaining his innocence.

(inputs from PTI)