Justice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Impeachment Proceedings

Justice Yashwant Varma has resigned from the Allahabad High Court, effective immediately, amidst ongoing impeachment proceedings. His resignation comes after a series of controversies, including allegations of cash found at his official residence. The impeachment notices were backed by numerous members of Parliament, leading to the formation of an inquiry committee. Varma's challenges against the committee's formation and findings have been dismissed by the Supreme Court, raising significant questions about judicial processes and integrity. This unexpected resignation marks a critical moment in the ongoing legal and political discourse surrounding judicial accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 10, 2026, 13:46 IST

Justice Varma's Sudden Resignation

File image of Justice Yashwant Varma(Photo: IANS)

New Delhi, April 10: Justice Yashwant Varma from the Allahabad High Court has submitted his resignation effective immediately to President Droupadi Murmu, marking a sudden conclusion to his term amidst ongoing impeachment proceedings.

In his resignation letter, Justice Varma expressed, “I do not wish to burden your esteemed office with the reasons that have led me to submit this letter,” and added that he was stepping down with “deep anguish” from his position as a Judge of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.

He noted, “It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity,” in his correspondence.

A copy of the resignation was also sent to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.

Justice Varma has been embroiled in controversy since cash was reportedly found on March 14, 2025, in an outhouse at his official residence during his time as a judge of the Delhi High Court.

Impeachment notices, supported by 145 Lok Sabha members and 63 Rajya Sabha members, were introduced in both Houses of Parliament in July 2025.

Following this, the Lok Sabha Speaker established a three-member inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, to investigate the allegations.

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition from Justice Varma contesting the Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision to form the inquiry committee.

The Supreme Court's Bench, comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma, stated: “We determine that the petitioner is not entitled to any relief in this matter.”

Justice Varma had raised concerns regarding the formation of the inquiry panel on procedural grounds, arguing that impeachment notices submitted simultaneously in both Houses necessitated joint consultation between the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman prior to the establishment of the investigative committee.

Previously, Justice Varma also contested the findings of a three-member in-house inquiry committee set up by the Supreme Court, which concluded that he had “secret or active control” over the cash allegedly found on the premises.

The Supreme Court dismissed that challenge as well, affirming that the in-house procedure was “fair and just” and did not undermine judicial independence.

Based on the in-house inquiry report, former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna recommended the initiation of removal proceedings, leading to the formation of a parliamentary inquiry committee, whose composition was recently updated following the retirement of Madras High Court Chief Justice Maninder Mohan Shrivastava.