Kapil Sibal Critiques Govt Over Justice Varma's Impeachment Move

New Delhi, Jun 17 (PTI) – Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Tuesday accused the government of ulterior motives behind its move towards an impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma, alleging corruption. Sibal claims the goal is to dismantle the Collegium system for appointing judges and replace it with the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC).

Sibal, a senior advocate, criticized the government's selective approach concerning cases against Justice Varma and Justice Shekhar Yadav. Opposition MPs have submitted a notice for an impeachment motion against Yadav over allegedly "communal" remarks made last year.

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the importance of involving all political parties in the impeachment motion against Justice Varma. A fire at Varma's residence in March, during his tenure at the Delhi High Court, uncovered several burnt sacks of cash.

Addressing the media, Sibal expressed concerns over the government's objective to abolish the Collegium system and gain control over judicial appointments. "Justice Varma is a distinguished judge," said Sibal, adding, "There is no evidence of wrongdoing against him."

Sibal accused the government of targeting an innocent judge while ignoring serious allegations against others. He questioned the delay in action against Justice Yadav, whose alleged communal remarks are already public, and emphasized the pending impeachment motion requiring verification.

The minister plans to present the Supreme Court's in-house inquiry report on Justice Varma at the start of the Parliament's Monsoon session. Sibal questioned the ongoing protection of Shekhar Yadav by the government.

The senior advocate argued that the opposition should recognize the attempt to exchange the Collegium's powers with those of the NJAC. Sibal criticized the government's decision-making, highlighting the absence of a proper inquiry against the judge.

Sibal emphasized that Justice Varma hadn't been heard, labeling the situation as shocking and unfortunate. He criticized political interference in judicial matters.

Last week, Sibal questioned the Rajya Sabha's inaction on the impeachment notice against Justice Yadav, accusing the government of shielding the judge after his divisive comments. Sibal remarked that differences in handling the two cases suggest discrimination.

The Rajya Sabha MP noted that the Upper House Secretariat halted an in-house inquiry against Yadav, citing a pending petition, which wasn't done in Justice Varma's case.

Sibal warned that any attempt to remove Varma based on the Supreme Court's internal investigation without proper impeachment procedures would be unconstitutional and resisted for risking judicial independence.

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