Justice Yashwant Varma currently faces a severe crisis that could potentially end his career. Following the discovery of a substantial amount of unaccounted cash at his official residence in Delhi, while he was a judge in Delhi High Court, Justice Varma is now facing the looming threat of impeachment. As the government prepares to initiate proceedings in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, Justice Varma's options are dwindling.

The crisis began with a fire incident at Justice Varma's Delhi residence on March 14-15. During efforts to extinguish the blaze, a significant amount of cash was discovered, raising immediate questions about its origin and purpose. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna promptly established a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee's report, submitted on May 3, 2025, indicted Justice Varma, finding the allegations serious enough to warrant removal proceedings.

CJI Khanna then forwarded the committee's report, along with Justice Varma's response, to the President and Prime Minister, signaling his recommendation for impeachment. Justice Varma has denied any knowledge of the cash, claiming the entire episode is a conspiracy. Despite his denials, the evidence and the inquiry committee's findings have put him in a precarious position. Following the incident, Justice Varma was transferred to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court, where he has not been assigned any judicial work.

Given these circumstances, Justice Varma faces limited options to avoid impeachment. One option is to defend himself before lawmakers, but given the weight of the evidence, this route appears challenging.

The most viable option appears to be resignation. Resigning would allow him to avoid the ignominy of impeachment and retain his pension and other benefits entitled to a retired High Court judge. Announcing his resignation verbally before lawmakers would be considered a formal resignation.

The government seems determined to proceed with the impeachment motion, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expected to lead consultations with political parties. Both the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition appear inclined to support the motion, increasing the likelihood of its success. For an impeachment motion to pass, it requires the support of a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament, preceded by the support of at least 50 members in the Rajya Sabha and 100 in the Lok Sabha to even be considered.

If the impeachment motion succeeds, Justice Varma would be the first judge of a constitutional court to be removed from office through this process. While defending his case before lawmakers in either house, Justice Varma could announce his resignation, which would be accepted as his formal departure.

Ultimately, Justice Yashwant Varma is left with a difficult choice: face the near-certainty of impeachment or resign with dignity.