In a dramatic political maneuver, the Modi government secured TMC’s backing for Justice Yashwant Varma’s impeachment through strategic outreach and lessons from past missteps
The Scandal That Shook the Judiciary: Justice Varma Under Fire
Justice Varma Impeachment – The impeachment storm surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma began with a fire, and ended with a political firestorm. On March 14, 2025, a blaze at Varma’s Lutyens’ Delhi residence led to the discovery of half-burnt stacks of ₹500 notes in a locked storeroom. The fallout was swift and damning. A Supreme Court-appointed three-member panel, after interviewing 55 witnesses and reviewing forensic evidence, concluded that the cash was under the “covert or active control” of Justice Varma and his family.
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The panel’s 64-page report, submitted to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recommended impeachment proceedings under Article 218 of the Constitution. The findings were unequivocal: the judge’s conduct had eroded public trust and violated the “Restatement of Values of Judicial Life” adopted by the Supreme Court in 1997.
Despite Justice Varma’s denial of wrongdoing, the evidence, burnt currency, restricted access, and witness testimonies painted a grim picture. The government, sensing both moral urgency and political opportunity, moved swiftly to build consensus for his removal in the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament.
The Political Chessboard: How Two Phone Calls Changed Everything
Securing the two-thirds majority required for impeachment in both Houses of Parliament is no easy feat, especially for a government without the numbers. Enter Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, known for his behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Having learned from a previous misstep involving TMC MP Yusuf Pathan, where unilateral announcements backfired, Rijiju took a more measured approach this time.
The first call went to TMC parliamentary leader Sudip Bandopadhyay. The second, more crucial one, was placed directly to TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. Sources say Rijiju acknowledged past grievances, including the Centre’s refusal to hold a special session on Operation Sindoor and appealed for cooperation on what he framed as a matter of national integrity, not partisan politics.
The strategy worked. Despite its strained relationship with the BJP, the TMC agreed in principle to support the impeachment motion. The decision was reportedly driven by both the gravity of the allegations and the desire to uphold judicial accountability. In late May, TMC MPs had already signed a letter to the Prime Minister demanding action, signalling their willingness to cross party lines on this issue.
A Rare Moment of Unity: What This Means for Parliament and the Judiciary
The Modi government’s ability to secure TMC’s support marks a rare moment of bipartisan alignment in an otherwise polarized political landscape. It also underscores the seriousness of the charges against Justice Varma and the broader implications for judicial credibility.
Union Minister Rijiju emphasized that the impeachment should not be viewed through a “political prism” but as a collective stand against corruption in the judiciary. The government has also reached out to other opposition parties, including the Congress, DMK, and Samajwadi Party, to build a united front.
While some leaders, like Kapil Sibal, have questioned the timing and intent behind the move, others, including Congress MPs Abhishek Singhvi and Manickam Tagore, have urged Justice Varma to resign voluntarily to preserve the dignity of the judiciary.
The motion is expected to be introduced in the Monsoon session beginning July 21. If passed, it would mark a historic moment India’s first successful impeachment of a sitting High Court judge for corruption.
Conclusion: Justice Varma Impeachment
What began as a fire call has ignited a constitutional reckoning. The Modi government’s deft political maneuvering, combined with the weight of judicial findings, has set the stage for a dramatic showdown in Parliament. Whether Justice Varma steps down or faces impeachment, one thing is clear: the lines between politics and principle have never been more sharply drawn.
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Also read – Justice Varma Impeachment: Government Seeks All-Party Consensus Ahead of Monsoon Session