The Supreme Court today dismissed the petition filed by Justice Yashwant Varma (Allahabad High Court), in which he had challenged the validity of the judicial inquiry committee set up against him in the 'cash-at-home' case, as well as the recommendation made by then CJI Sanjiv Khanna to the President and the Prime Minister.

The concerned bench, comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih, clarified that the petition itself was not maintainable, as Justice Varma had initially participated in the inquiry committee and later questioned its validity — a conduct deemed "unconvincing."

The Supreme Court took a clear stand on six key points:

1. Maintainability – The petition challenging the inquiry process was found to be non-maintainable.

2. Legal Process – The legality of the in-house inquiry is protected under the Constitution; it is neither an extra-constitutional nor a disorderly mechanism.

3. No Violation of Fundamental Rights – The court held that the petition did not establish any violation of Varma’s fundamental rights.

4. Procedural Compliance – The committee and the Chief Justice of India followed the prescribed procedure. Although video or photographic evidence was not uploaded, it was not mandatory and the objection was not raised in time.

5. Constitutional Nature of Proceedings – Sending the report to the President and Prime Minister was constitutionally appropriate.

6. Future Opportunity – The court left open the possibility for Varma to raise his objections through appropriate means in the future.

This judgment is a clear indication that the judiciary takes internal inquiries into allegations of corruption very seriously and is committed to judicial accountability. The next phase of this case may now unfold in Parliament through possible impeachment proceedings.

In the current environment, this decision is being seen as a step in favor of judicial transparency, where fairness and adherence to due process have been given the highest priority.