Supreme Court orders probe into Delhi HC judge following cash recovery at residence

New Delhi: The Supreme Court initiated an in-house inquiry on Friday against Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Verma after a large sum of unaccounted money was recovered from his residence during a fire. The Supreme Court collegium also recommended to transfer him to Allahabad High Court. 

The incident happened last week after a fire broke out during the holi celebrations at his official bungalow. Verma's family immediately informed the fire brigade, who discovered the money while assessing the damage. The matter was reported to the police. 

Upon being informed of the incident, the Supreme Court Chief Justice took the matter seriously and convened a collegium meeting. Verma's transfer is just a preliminary step, with the authorities considering further actions as per the law.

Meanwhile, the issue was discussed in Rajya Sabha on Friday.  Vice-President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar responded that he will take all procedural steps as required to address this issue.

Congress member Jairam Ramesh, who raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, reminded the Chairman of a notice of impeachment sent by 50 members of the Parliament to the Vice President last December against certain remarks made by Justice Shekhar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court. 

Can a High Court Judge be impeached?

A High Court Judge can be removed from office only through an impeachment motion passed by the Parliament. No judge has been impeached in India's history. Though some faced proceedings, they resigned before completion.

As per the in-house enquiry procedure adopted by the Supreme Court, when there are allegations against a High Court Judge, the Chief Justice of India, after a preliminary enquiry, forms a committee of three Supreme Court judges to enquire into the matter after seeking the response of the Judge in question. Based on the report of the in-house panel, further action can be taken.