Lok Sabha Speaker appoints advocate to assist panel probing Justice Yashwant Varma

Justice Yashwant Varma- Photo Credit: File

Advocate Karan Umesh Salvi to serve as consultant to committee investigating corruption charges against Allahabad HC judge

The Lok Sabha Speaker has appointed advocate Karan Umesh Salvi as a consultant to assist the committee constituted under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, to probe corruption charges against Justice Yashwant Varma, currently serving at the Allahabad High Court.

“Speaker, Lok Sabha is pleased to engage Karan Umesh Salvi, Advocate as Consultant to assist the Committee constituted under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, for the purpose of making an investigation into the grounds on which the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court is sought. The said appointment shall be w.e.f. 17.10.2025 and co-terminus with the tenure of the Committee or until further orders, whichever is earlier,” the notification stated.

In August this year, the Speaker had initiated the process to remove Justice Varma after receiving a proposal signed by 146 Lok Sabha members. Mr. Birla had noted that unimpeachable character and financial and intellectual integrity form the foundation of public trust in the judiciary.

To examine the allegations, a three-member committee was constituted, comprising Supreme Court judge Justice Aravind Kumar, Madras High Court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, and senior Karnataka High Court advocate B.V. Acharya.

Last month, the Speaker had appointed advocates Rohan Singh and Sameeksha Dua as consultants to assist the same committee.

A probe panel earlier constituted by the Supreme Court had recommended Justice Varma’s removal. He was repatriated from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court earlier this year after burnt wads of currency notes were reportedly found at his official residence on March 14.

Justice Varma has denied all charges against him.