The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to expedite the hearing of a petition seeking an FIR against Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Verma in connection with a cash controversy.
New Delhi: The demand for legal action in the Supreme Court has intensified regarding the alleged cash transaction controversy surrounding Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Verma. The Supreme Court has agreed to expedite the hearing of a petition filed in this matter. If the technical deficiencies in the petition are rectified, the case will be heard on Wednesday.
Petitioner Demands FIR
This petition has been filed by Supreme Court lawyer Mathews Nedumpara and three others. The petition demands that a criminal case be registered against Justice Verma and appropriate action be taken under the Indian Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. The petitioners argue that the in-house inquiry committee's report confirms a prima facie serious matter, and a criminal investigation cannot be overlooked.
Supreme Court Agrees to Expedite Hearing
A bench headed by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, in the absence of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, heard the petitioner's arguments and stated that if the technical errors in the petition are rectified in time, the matter can be listed on Wednesday. The petitioner, citing unavailability on Tuesday, requested a hearing on Wednesday, which the court conditionally accepted.
Cash Recovery Report Becomes an Issue
The background of this petition involves the recovery of cash from a store associated with Justice Verma within the Allahabad High Court premises. The confidential report submitted by the in-house inquiry committee to the Chief Justice confirmed this recovery. Subsequently, the Chief Justice forwarded this report to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recommending the initiation of impeachment proceedings under the Constitution.
Internal Inquiry vs. Criminal Investigation
The petition emphasizes that the Supreme Court's internal inquiry process is limited to disciplinary action and cannot substitute for necessary action under criminal laws. The petitioners contend that maintaining the dignity and transparency of the judiciary requires a public and independent criminal investigation into such serious allegations.
This case is being viewed as a significant turning point in judicial accountability in the country. If the Supreme Court initiates a hearing on this petition and orders the filing of an FIR, it would be the first time that a criminal investigation against a serving High Court judge could be launched at the initiative of the Supreme Court. This would not only enhance trust in the transparency of the judiciary but also be a crucial step towards institutional reform.
