Justice Yashwant Varma Case: SC Backs CJI’s Power To Flag Judicial Misconduct To President, PM

Last Updated:July 30, 2025, 13:12 IST

The court made the remarks while hearing Justice Varma’s challenge to the in-house inquiry conducted against him after cash was allegedly recovered from his official residence.

Supreme Court of India (File Photo)

The Supreme Court on Wednesday strongly defended the Chief Justice of India’s authority to act on judicial misconduct, saying the CJI is not merely a “post office" but holds constitutional responsibility towards the nation.

A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih made the remarks while hearing Justice Yashwant Varma’s challenge to the in-house inquiry conducted against him after cash was allegedly recovered from his official residence.

“If the Chief Justice of India possesses credible material indicating judicial misconduct, he has the authority to inform the President and the Prime Minister," Justice Datta said, underscoring the constitutional responsibilities vested in the office of the CJI.

The court further questioned Justice Varma’s approach to the inquiry, asking, “Your conduct does not inspire confidence. Why did you appear before the in-house committee if you believed it lacked legitimacy?"

The bench also expressed concern over the timing of the plea, telling senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for Justice Varma, “You should have come to us earlier against the in-house inquiry panel’s report."

SC Questions Legal Impact Of Leaked Tapes

During the hearing on Justice Varma’s plea, the top court raised doubts over the legal consequences of the alleged leak of video footage purportedly showing cash recovery from the judge’s residence.

While Justice Dipankar Datta concurred with senior advocate Kapil Sibal that such material should not have been leaked, he asked whether making the in-house inquiry report or the tapes public could affect Parliament’s independent judgment.

“How does publication on a website impact the legal process or Parliament’s discretion?" Justice Datta asked.

Responding, Sibal contended that the leak had already prejudiced public opinion against the judge, arguing that a finding of misconduct by the in-house committee—especially one led by the Chief Justice of India—carries immense influence.

He stressed that the judge had effectively been declared guilty in the public domain before any formal proceedings could take place.

Location :

First Published:

News india Justice Yashwant Varma Case: SC Backs CJI’s Power To Flag Judicial Misconduct To President, PM

Read More