Rajya Sabha Official Slams Opposition's Motion Against Judge Yashwant Varma, Citing Flaws and Procedural Infirmities

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{ "title": "Rajya Sabha Official Slams Opposition's Motion Against Judge Yashwant Varma, Citing Flaws and Procedural Infirmities", "article": "A scathing critique has been lodged against the Opposition's motion to remove Allahabad high court judge, justice Yashwant Varma, from office. In a detailed opinion submitted to the Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson, the secretary general, PC Mody, highlighted multiple legal, procedural, and factual infirmities in the motion, rendering it 'not in order' and 'non est'. The motion, signed by 63 Rajya Sabha MPs, was deemed to have failed to meet the required standards due to 'multiple discrepancies' that compromised its admissibility. Mody noted that the incorrect invocation of law and failure to annex authenticated copies of supporting documents were among the most serious flaws. Furthermore, the opinion pointed out factual inaccuracies in the notice, including a claim that a spot inspection of justice Varma's residence took place on March 3, 2025, a date preceding the fire incident itself. Mody stressed that procedural safeguards in impeachment proceedings are sacrosanct and that these deficiencies are not minor or technical. The secretary general's opinion has significant implications for the ongoing impeachment proceedings, which are currently under scrutiny before the Supreme Court. The Lok Sabha secretariat has defended the speaker's decision to proceed with the impeachment process, citing the lack of a valid motion in the Rajya Sabha. The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment on justice Varma's petition challenging the Lok Sabha speaker's decision to admit the motion and constitute an inquiry committee. The court must now balance the rights of the judge being proceeded against with the will of MPs representing the people. The impeachment proceedings stem from the discovery of unaccounted cash at justice Varma's official residence in Delhi following a fire in March 2025. An in-house inquiry panel later found his explanation unsatisfactory, prompting then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna to recommend action to the President and Prime Minister."