Justice Yashwant Varma resigns from Allahabad HC ‘with deep anguish’ as impeachment probe continues

Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has resigned with immediate effect, writing to President Droupadi Murmu and bringing his tenure to an abrupt close while impeachment proceedings were underway against him.

The development comes against the backdrop of a prolonged controversy and parallel legal scrutiny, including a parliamentary inquiry and an earlier in-house probe by the judiciary into allegations linked to a cash recovery case.

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In his resignation letter dated April 9, Justice Varma said he did not wish to state the reasons behind his decision, but added that he was stepping down “with deep anguish”. He also described it as an honour to have served as a judge of the Allahabad High Court. A copy of the letter was marked to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

“I do not propose to burden your august office with the reasons which have constrained me to submit this missive.”

“It has been an honour to serve in this office,” the letter read.

Justice Varma had been under the spotlight since March 14, 2025, when burnt cash was allegedly found in an outhouse at his official residence during his tenure at the Delhi High Court. He was later transferred back to the Allahabad High Court, where he took oath on April 5, 2025.

Impeachment notices, court setbacks and inquiry panels

The controversy had escalated in July 2025, when impeachment notices backed by 145 Lok Sabha MPs and 63 Rajya Sabha MPs were introduced in Parliament. After this, the Lok Sabha Speaker formed a three-member inquiry panel under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.

Justice Varma challenged the formation of this committee in the Supreme Court, arguing that simultaneous notices in both Houses required joint consultation between the Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman. However, a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma dismissed his plea, stating that he was not entitled to relief.

He had also questioned the findings of an earlier in-house panel constituted by the Supreme Court, which had said he exercised “secret or active control” over the cash allegedly recovered. The apex court upheld the internal process, calling it fair and consistent with judicial independence.

Separately, a parliamentary panel examining the allegations held hearings between March 13 and March 21 this year as part of the impeachment process. Justice Varma, in his written submissions, denied ownership of any cash and said he was not present when a fire incident reportedly led to its discovery. He also maintained that no cash was recovered from his residence.

The committee is currently reviewing records, responses and other material placed before it, and is expected to take a call after completing its deliberations.