The Supreme Court Collegium has ruled to shift Justice Yashwant Verma from the Delhi High Court to Allahabad High Court. The transfer follows a significant amount of untaxed money being found in his official house last week during the Holi vacation, sources informed NDTV.
Fire Leads to Cash Discovery at Judge’s Home
The money was discovered when a fire erupted in Justice Verma’s official bungalow in Delhi. Family members, who were present when the judge was out, called emergency services. Emergency personnel, who arrived on the scene, phoned the police, and money was discovered.
The issue was brought up through formal channels, reaching the Supreme Court Collegium led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. The Collegium took a serious view of the incident and ordered the transfer of Justice Verma.
Justice Verma Still to React to Allegations
Until now, Justice Verma has not made any comment on the seized cash. Sources, however, say the Supreme Court Collegium was in consensus on his transfer.
Collegium Contemplates Harsher Action
Though the Collegium took the decision to transfer, some members believed that greater action was called for to preserve the integrity of the judiciary.
It was brought to light by sources that discussions were underway on requesting Justice Verma to step down. In case he refuses, Chief Justice Khanna might order an in-house inquiry, which can then result in parliamentary proceedings for his removal.
Process of Removing a High Court Judge
Based on directions established by the Supreme Court in 1999, accusations of misconduct or corruption against Constitutional Court judges take a step-by-step procedure:
- The Chief Justice first seeks an explanation from the accused judge.
- If unsatisfied, an internal committee is formed, comprising one Supreme Court judge and two High Court Chief Justices.
- If the committee finds serious misconduct, the Chief Justice may ask the judge to resign.
- If the judge refuses, the Chief Justice may write to the government, initiating parliamentary proceedings for removal under Article 124(4) of the Constitution.
As the drama unfolds, the judiciary is under mounting pressure to act decisively to uphold public confidence in the judicial system.
