What Did Vivek Tankha Request from V-P Dhankhar Regarding Justice Varma's Case?

Bhopal/New Delhi, May 23 (NationPress) Rajya Sabha MP, Vivek Tankha, addressed a letter to Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday, urging him to release the findings of the three-member committee looking into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court.

In his correspondence to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, the Congress leader pointed out that serious accusations were levied against Justice Yashwant Varma, prompting the Supreme Court to commence proceedings by establishing a committee for investigating the claims against him. This committee submitted its findings to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on May 4, 2025.

"I respectfully request your excellency to promptly share the report with Members of Parliament, allowing them to assess whether to initiate removal proceedings under Article 217 (1) (b) in conjunction with Article 124 (4) and the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968," Tankha's letter to Dhankhar stated.

The Congress leader also highlighted that during a discussion in the Rajya Sabha on March 21, the Chairman expressed profound concern and committed to a structured dialogue.

"You (Dhankhar) acknowledged the swift action taken by the CJI in forming a house inquiry panel, describing it as a commendable move towards transparency and accountability," Tankha wrote.

Tankha, a distinguished lawyer, emphasized that the inquiry was not executed under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968—the sole legal framework for investigating judicial misconduct or incapacity.

He raised pertinent questions, noting that "no course of action has been disclosed by the Law Minister, despite this matter—a situation that has deeply unsettled the nation—being addressed in Parliament."

Tankha further remarked, "Any action regarding the judge resides fully within the constitutional authority of Parliament, through a removal motion. Even though Members of Parliament are the only ones authorized under Article 124 (4) and 217 (1) (b) to begin such proceedings, they have been neither informed nor provided with the report submitted by the three-member panel."

He added, "Justice Varma is neither fulfilling judicial responsibilities nor has he resigned. This situation undermines transparency, credibility, and accountability, creating a significant void that serves no public interest."

Importantly, the Supreme Court recently declined to accept a plea for registering an FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma related to an alleged cash haul discovered at his residence, asserting that "the report has been sent to the Prime Minister and the President of India."

The cash was supposedly found at Justice Varma's home during a fire incident on March 14-15. Following this, he was reassigned to the Allahabad High Court, his original court, and has since been relieved of all judicial duties.