Serious Misconduct Proven: Inquiry Committee Recommends Removal Of Justice Yashwant Varma

Last Updated:June 19, 2025, 12:11 IST

A trail of cash, missing complaints, and conduct flagged as “unnatural” led the panel to call for Justice Varma’s removal from the High Court

Justice Yashwant Varma (IMAGE: X)

In a damning report accessed by CNN-News18, a three-member inquiry committee has found serious misconduct on the part of Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court and concluded that proceedings for his removal should be initiated. The recommendation is based on direct and electronic evidence on record.

The findings follow a letter from the Chief Justice of India dated 22 March 2025, which raised serious allegations against Justice Varma. The committee found sufficient substance in those allegations and held that the misconduct established was grave enough to warrant removal proceedings.

Cash Found At Official Residence, Access Controlled By Family

Among the most significant findings was the discovery of cash at Justice Varma’s official residence at 30 Tughlak Crescent in New Delhi. According to the report, the money was located in a store room that was found to be under the covert or active control of Justice Varma and his family members.

The committee also cited strong inferential evidence to conclude that burnt cash was removed from the premises in the early hours of 15 March 2025.

Unnatural Conduct, No Complaint Filed

The committee recorded what it called the “unnatural conduct" of Justice Varma, highlighting that despite raising suspicions of a conspiracy, he neither filed a police complaint nor brought the matter to the attention of the Chief Justice of the High Court or the Chief Justice of India. This lack of formal action, the panel noted, further weakened his position.

Judicial Probity Held To A Higher Standard

The report devoted considerable attention to the principle of judicial probity, stating that members of the superior judiciary are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards. It emphasised that the probity required of judges far exceeds that expected of civil servants or other public officials, and that any deficiency in character or conduct—whether inside or outside the courtroom—undermines public trust in the judiciary.

The committee noted that the trust citizens place in the judiciary is directly linked to a judge’s behaviour, both on and off the bench, and that any erosion of this trust must be viewed with utmost seriousness.

Recommendation For Removal

Based on the totality of the evidence reviewed, including digital and physical material, the panel concluded that Justice Varma’s misconduct was proven and severe enough to justify initiating formal removal proceedings.

Ananya Bhatnagar

Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De...Read More

Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De...

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