New Delhi, July 14: The Centre has stepped up efforts to remove Justice Yashwant Varma, who is at the centre of a cash recovery and corruption row, by mobilizing parliamentary support for a motion in the Lok Sabha.
A signature campaign is underway, with BJP and NDA allies nearing completion and around 35–40 Opposition MPs expected to join. The government is urging Opposition leaders to expedite submission of signatures. At least 100 Lok Sabha MPs must sign for the motion to be admitted.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has personally reached out to senior Opposition figures including Mallikarjun Kharge, Mamata Banerjee, and MK Stalin, appealing for bipartisan support in what he called a matter of “institutional integrity.” Most Opposition parties are reportedly in principle agreement to support the move.
If admitted, the motion must pass with a two-thirds majority in both Houses. It would then trigger the formation of a three-member inquiry committee, including a Supreme Court or High Court judge and a legal expert, to investigate the charges.
Justice Varma allegedly stashed large sums of cash at his official residence—some found burnt—according to internal inquiries. A Supreme Court-appointed committee has also recommended his removal.
In a separate development, a petition has been submitted to the Rajya Sabha Chairman seeking action against Justice Shekhar Yadav over an alleged hate speech, with possible directions expected during the Monsoon Session.
