Justice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Corruption Inquiry, Congress Critiques Government’s Shift on Women’s Quota

Justice Yashwant Varma has tendered his resignation from the Allahabad High Court, a decision that comes just as an inquiry into unaccounted cash allegations against him gathers pace. His resignation was submitted to President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday, marking a significant turn of events in a case that has drawn considerable public and media scrutiny.

The inquiry into Justice Varma follows the discovery of unaccounted cash at his official residence in Delhi during a fire incident on March 14, 2025. At that time, he was serving as a judge at the Delhi High Court. The Union government is currently awaiting a report from a three-member committee established under the 1968 Judges Inquiry Act, which was commissioned by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on August 12. This inquiry has heightened calls for accountability among judicial officials, particularly as judges have been vocal advocates for the publication of politicians’ assets, yet they have not subjected themselves to the same scrutiny.

In a separate political development, the Congress party has criticized the Narendra Modi-led government for what they describe as a significant “U-turn” regarding the implementation of the women’s reservation law in Parliament. Party MP Jairam Ramesh has alleged that the Prime Minister has backtracked on his earlier commitments due to fears of losing in the ongoing Assembly elections. This criticism comes in light of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which aims to reserve 33% of seats for women in the Parliament and State Assemblies, highlighting an ongoing struggle for gender equity in Indian politics.

The Congress party’s concerns reflect broader apprehensions about the political will to advance women’s rights amidst a charged electoral atmosphere. While the government had initially expressed a commitment to advancing this legislation, the recent shift in stance has raised eyebrows and sparked a debate about the genuine motives behind the timing of such policy decisions.

As India navigates these complex issues involving judicial integrity and women’s representation in politics, the public remains watchful. Justice Varma’s resignation is a stark reminder of the need for transparency in the judiciary, while the discussions surrounding the women’s reservation bill underscore the ongoing fight for gender parity in governance.

Source: scroll.in