Supreme Court Reserves Judgment On Justice Yashwant Varma’s Plea Challenging Lok Sabha Inquiry Committee’s Formation
The Supreme Court of India reserved judgment on January 8, 2026, in a petition filed by Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma challenging the Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision to form a three-member inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act.
Allegations of misconduct, including recovery of burnt cash from Justice Varma’s Delhi residence, prompted impeachment motions in both Lok Sabha (145 MPs) and Rajya Sabha (63 MPs) on July 21, 2025. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla admitted the Lok Sabha motion in August 2025 and constituted the committee, despite notices in both houses, leading to Justice Varma’s claim of procedural irregularity under Section 3(2) of the Act, which requires joint consultation between the Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman.
Justice Varma’s counsel argued the Speaker acted prematurely without joint consultation or awaiting Rajya Sabha’s decision (later rejected on August 11, 2025). Solicitor General Tushar Mehta countered that joint consultation prevents duplication, not vetoes, and no prejudice was shown, emphasizing safeguards balancing public interest and judicial dignity.
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma heard marathon arguments, noted potential “infirmity” in the committee’s formation, but declined further extension for Justice Varma’s response (due January 12, 2026) or deferral of his January 24 appearance. An earlier in-house inquiry by then-CJI Sanjiv Khanna found prima facie culpability, leading to a removal recommendation.
