Cash Haul at Justice Varma’s Residence: Resignation Is Now His Only Option to Avoid Parliamentary Impeachment

New Delhi, June 8, 2025 — Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court is facing a pivotal moment after a massive cache of cash was discovered at his official residence. With Parliament set to convene for its Monsoon session on July 21, political and judicial pressure is mounting, leaving resignation as his only viable route to retain pension and benefits.

Investigations began following a fire outbreak at Varma’s Delhi residence in March, which led to the searing revelation of burnt sacks containing large sums of money  . A three-member in‑house panel, appointed by former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, subsequently found evidence suggesting corrupt conduct  .

Despite these findings and explicit advisories from CJI Khanna to step down, Varma continues to hold his position. Sources indicate the government is preparing a motion to impeach him in Parliament. If convicted, such a move would strip him not only of the bench but also of lifetime pension and associated privileges  . Resigning beforehand would preserve his post-retirement entitlements.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has confirmed that proceedings for impeachment are underway requiring 50 Rajya Sabha and 100 Lok Sabha members to sponsor the motion. An official inquiry committee will be constituted under the Judges Inquiry Act, although Mumbai observers caution that reconciling this with the in‑house panel’s findings may pose procedural challenges  .

Key political stakeholders and legal bodies are closely watching. The Bar Association of the Allahabad High Court has praised the move as a reinforcement of judicial integrity, declaring it a “victory for the public”  . Opposition leaders have also demanded that Parliament access the full Supreme Court panel reports before reaching a verdict  . Meanwhile, government insiders are confident a cross-party consensus can be achieved  .

Should Justice Varma choose resignation now, he would retain his retirement benefits; but if he resists and Parliament concludes impeachment, he faces a total cut-off from entitlements a historic first in India’s judicial system. The matter now moves toward its climax in the Monsoon session, shaping a significant precedent for accountability in India’s judiciary.