Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has resigned from his position with immediate effect, at a time when he was facing an ongoing inquiry linked to an alleged cash recovery controversy.
Background of the Case
The controversy dates back to March 2025, when a significant amount of cash was reportedly discovered at a portion of Justice Varma’s official residence in Delhi during a fire-fighting operation. At that time, he was serving as a judge of the Delhi High Court.
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The incident quickly drew public attention and raised concerns, prompting the constitution of an in-house inquiry committee. The panel, after its preliminary assessment, indicated certain issues that warranted further examination.
Following a motion signed by 146 Members of Parliament seeking his removal, the Lok Sabha Speaker constituted a three-member inquiry committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
The committee was tasked with examining the allegations, and Justice Varma was given an opportunity to present his defence. He was scheduled to appear before the panel in April 2026.
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In his resignation letter addressed to the President of India, Justice Varma stated:
“It is with deep anguish that I tender my resignation from the office of Judge… with immediate effect.”
He also mentioned that he did not wish to elaborate on the reasons behind his decision so as not to burden the dignity of the office, adding that serving as a judge had been an honour.
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In the wake of the controversy, the Supreme Court had earlier withdrawn judicial work from Justice Varma and transferred him back to his parent High Court in Allahabad.
Reports related to the inquiry were forwarded to constitutional authorities for further action. Additionally, his legal challenge against the formation of the inquiry committee was dismissed by the Court.
With Justice Varma’s resignation, the ongoing parliamentary removal process is expected to come to a halt, marking a significant development in the matter.
