Parliamentary panel finds charges against former judge Yashwant Varma proven

A three-member inquiry committee, established by the Lok Sabha Speaker, submitted its report to Parliament on Wednesday regarding allegations against former High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The investigation focused on the discovery of significant quantities of 500-rupee notes, some partially burnt, in a storeroom at Varma's official residence in New Delhi following a fire incident on March 14, 2025. The committee concluded that all three charges against Varma, including the possession of unexplained cash and the interference with evidence, have been proven.

The report describes Varma's explanations regarding the cash as evasive, unsatisfactory, and lacking in transparency. While the committee found no evidence that Varma personally moved the money, it noted that he maintained control over the room where the currency was discovered. Varma resigned from his position as a judge in April 2025, leading some legal experts to suggest that the impeachment proceedings initiated against him may now be considered infructuous. The government may still pursue further parliamentary action during the upcoming Winter Session.