Impeachment Motion Shifted to Lok Sabha

The impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma, a judge of the Allahabad High Court, have taken a new turn. Initially linked to a controversy involving burnt cash discovered at his residence in March, the motion will now be addressed through a government-backed proposal in the Lok Sabha. Sources revealed this development on Friday afternoon, indicating that the Rajya Sabha did not formally admit the motion.

Committee to Investigate Charges

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is set to establish a committee tasked with investigating the allegations against Justice Varma. Should the committee find substantial evidence, it will recommend impeachment. This process underscores the government’s commitment to addressing corruption within the judiciary.

Opposition Motion and Political Dynamics

The opposition’s motion, previously accepted by former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in his capacity as Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, will be discarded since it was never officially tabled. This decision follows a strategic meeting by the government aimed at reclaiming its anti-corruption stance from the opposition.

BJP’s Strategic Move Ahead of Elections

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is keen to lead this initiative, emphasizing its anti-corruption agenda ahead of crucial Assembly elections in Bihar, Bengal, and Tamil Nadu. The BJP had prepared its impeachment motion before the Parliament’s monsoon session began on July 21 and sought bipartisan support. Some opposition MPs even endorsed the government’s motion.

Controversy Over Dhankhar’s Resignation

The situation became more complex when Mr. Dhankhar mentioned the opposition’s proposal in the Rajya Sabha, which sources claim violated an agreement among parties. This breach is believed to have contributed significantly to Mr. Dhankhar’s unexpected resignation, which he attributed to health reasons.