In a major development, the Centre has initiated discussions with all political parties to build consensus for the removal of Justice Yashwant Verma, a judge of the Allahabad High Court, who is under fire after a large stash of burnt currency notes was found at his official residence during his tenure in the Delhi High Court.

Burnt Notes Scandal: Government Moves Towards Impeachment

The move follows a damning 64-page report by a Supreme Court-appointed three-member committee, which concluded that Justice Verma and his family had active or covert control over the premises where the cash was found. The report strongly recommended his removal for "serious misconduct."

Justice Verma, who was transferred to the Allahabad High Court following the incident, has so far refused to resign, maintaining that he is not guilty.

All-Party Talks to Build Consensus

Sources say the government has begun behind-the-scenes talks with all major political parties to build consensus on initiating impeachment proceedings. Once agreement is reached, MPs from both Houses will be asked to sign a motion, although it is yet to be decided whether the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha will initiate the process.

If the motion is accepted, the Chair of the House will appoint an inquiry committee, after which Parliament will discuss the findings. The process could take up to three months.

What the Report Revealed

The three-member probe panel—led by Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court—conducted a 10-day investigation and examined 55 witnesses. It also visited the premises in connection with the fire that broke out on March 14 at 11:35 PM, which eventually led to the shocking discovery of the burnt currency notes.

The report stated that the evidence pointed to Justice Verma's involvement, either directly or indirectly, in the handling of the cash. It concluded that the misconduct was “grave enough to warrant removal from office.”

Chief Justice’s Recommendation to President and PM

Acting swiftly on the report, then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, formally recommending Justice Verma’s impeachment.

Despite mounting pressure, Justice Verma has refused to resign, which may now leave Parliament as the only constitutional route for his removal.