The Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reform (CJAR) has urged authorities to file a First Information Report (FIR) against Justice Yashwant Varma, a former judge of the Allahabad High Court. CJAR claims that the allegations against Varma are serious enough to warrant criminal proceedings. This call for action highlights ongoing concerns regarding judicial accountability in the region.
It also called for the investigation to be overseen by the Supreme Court to help restore public confidence in the judiciary. “After his resignation, Justice Varma ceases to enjoy the protection of the Veeraswami judgement, and therefore, there is no requirement of permission of the Chief Justice of India for resignation of an FIR against him.
CJAR has urged the Chief Justice of India to direct the Delhi Police to register an FIR and investigate the unaccounted cash found at Justice Varma’s official residence, according to a report by Livelaw. However, since the investigative authorities have not registered any FIR yet, in light of the Inquiry Committee’s report and the report of the three-judge committee constituted under the in-house procedure, we call upon the Chief Justice of India to direct the filing of a First Information Report with the Delhi Police seeking an investigation into the unaccounted cash found at the residence of Justice (Retd.) Varma,” said a CJAR statement, according to Livelaw.
CJAR also questioned why the Allahabad high court website continues to show Justice Varma as a sitting judge despite his resignation. Because the judge concerned resigned, we are happy to note the speaker undoing the unfortunate precedent set in the case of Justice PD Dinakaran wherein impeachment proceedings were brought to an end merely.
In a statement, CJAR said, “We believe that this move promotes transparency and ensures a measure of accountability for the actions of Justice (Retd.) Varma.
