On 21 July 2025, the Supreme Court expressed strong disapproval after a lawyer referred to Justice Yashwant Varma currently serving in the Allahabad High Court and facing serious allegations in a cash seizure case without using the formal title of “Justice.”
Justice Varma is at the center of a controversy stemming from a fire at his official residence in March, where large amounts of cash were reportedly recovered. Following the incident, he was transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court and is currently facing proceedings related to his possible removal.
During the 21st July hearing, advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara mentioned a petition seeking the registration of an FIR against Justice Varma before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran.
However, while making his submissions, Nedumpara repeatedly referred to the judge simply as “Varma,” prompting a sharp response from the bench. When Nedumpara attempted to proceed with his arguments, saying “This is the third writ petition,” the court interjected, warning, “You want it to be dismissed right now?” and added, “Have some decorum… Is he your friend? He is still Justice Verma. How do you address him? Have some decorum. You are referring to a learned judge. He is still a judge of the court,” it said.
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Despite the warning, Nedumpara insisted that an FIR must be filed in connection with the case. The bench, however, remained firm on the need for maintaining courtroom etiquette and respectful references to judges.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also echoed the court’s sentiments, stating that Justice Varma must be addressed with the appropriate title, regardless of the allegations. Nedumpara’s petition seeks directions to the Delhi Police to initiate a criminal investigation into the cash haul, arguing that a formal FIR and subsequent probe are necessary.
Justice Varma, for his part, has filed a plea in the Supreme Court challenging the actions taken against him. He contends that the initiation of removal proceedings was unconstitutional, pointing out that it was launched without any formal complaint. He is also contesting the letter sent on 8 May 2025, by then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna to the President and Prime Minister recommending his removal.
Earlier, on 22 March 2025, CJI Khanna had constituted a three-judge panel to examine the matter. The committee, led by Justice Sheel Nagu (Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court), included Justice G.S. Sandhawalia (Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court) and Justice Anu Sivaraman (Judge, Karnataka High Court).
Justice Varma’s plea seeks to invalidate the committee’s formation and the subsequent recommendation, calling both actions procedurally flawed and unconstitutional. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have reportedly received notices initiating impeachment proceedings against him.
(With inputs from Deccan Herald)
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