Who are the judges probing charges against Justice Yashwant Varma?

3-member panel probes ex-Delhi HC judge Justice Varma in “cash for judgment” case. Comprising SC judge, Madras HC CJ & senior advocate, the committee will examine serious allegations. Report may lead to impeachment. Case tests judicial accountability & transparency standards in India.

New Delhi: A three-member inquiry committee has been formed against former Delhi High Court judge Justice Varma, who is facing allegations of alleged "cash for judgment." Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Monday informed the House that the complaints received against Justice Varma are of a serious nature and the committee has been formed under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, to remove him from his post.

Committee constitution and its members

The three key members of this committee are

1. Justice Arvind Kumar—sitting judge of the Supreme Court

2. Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava—Chief Justice of Madras High Court

3. B.V. Acharya—senior advocate of the Karnataka High Court

The committee has to submit its report as soon as possible, and till then the removal proposal against Justice Varma will remain pending.

What are the allegations against Justice Varma?

The matter came to light on July 31 when a motion was sent to the Lok Sabha Speaker against Justice Varma. Wads of half-burnt currency notes were found at the official residence of Justice Varma in Delhi when a fire broke out there on March 14. He was subsequently transferred to Allahabad High Court from Delhi High Court, and the Supreme Court constituted a committee to look into the allegations.

Introduction of committee members

1. Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava

Justice Shrivastava, a resident of Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, studied law after graduating in science and received a gold medal.

Started practicing law in 1987 and became a judge of the Chhattisgarh High Court in 2009.

Became the Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court in 2021 and has been the Chief Justice of Madras High Court since July 2025.

2. Justice Arvind Kumar

Justice Kumar, who hails from Bengaluru, played an active role in politics during his student life.

Started practicing law in 1987 and became a judge of the Karnataka High Court in 2009.

Appointed as a Supreme Court judge in 2023.

3. B.V. Acharya

88-year-old Acharya is a famous senior advocate of Karnataka and has been practicing law since 1957.

He has been the Advocate General of Karnataka and was also the special public prosecutor in the disproportionate assets case against Jayalalithaa.

Further process

The committee will investigate the allegations against Justice Varma and submit its report to the Lok Sabha Speaker. If the committee finds the allegations to be true, the process of impeachment against Justice Varma can be started in Parliament.

This matter is a serious issue related to the independence of the judiciary and the accountability of judges. The entire country will keep an eye on the report of the committee, as it can set a new standard of transparency in the judicial process.