The Supreme Court dismissed a plea by Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma challenging the Lok Sabha Speaker’s formation of an inquiry committee against him. The court ruled that the petitioner is not entitled to any relief in this case. Justice Varma contested the Speaker’s decision on procedural grounds, citing the need for joint consultation between the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha before constituting the committee.
Last week, a Bench led by Justice Datta reserved its verdict after hearing arguments from all sides. The plea highlighted that the impeachment motion was rejected by the Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman in 2025. The Lok Sabha Secretariat opposed the plea, asserting that the Speaker had the authority to proceed independently in this matter.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the purpose of the proviso to Section 3(2) was to prevent the formation of multiple inquiry committees on the same allegations. Justice Varma faced controversy after burnt cash was found at his official residence in 2025. An in-house inquiry committee concluded that he had control over the cash stash, leading to removal proceedings recommended by the then CJI.
Notices of impeachment were supported by members from both Houses of Parliament. The Lok Sabha Speaker’s decision to form a three-member inquiry committee is now being challenged before the Supreme Court.
