New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by Justice Yashwant Verma of the Allahabad High Court challenging the findings of an in-house committee that found him guilty of misconduct in connection with the recovery of cash from his residence.
Justice Verma had sought to declare the inquiry report invalid, but a bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih ruled that due process had been strictly followed. The court observed that Justice Verma’s conduct “does not inspire confidence” and refused to entertain his plea.
However, the apex court clarified that Justice Verma would be free to present his side if impeachment proceedings are initiated against him. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared on behalf of Justice Verma.
The judgment marks a significant setback for Justice Verma, who has been under scrutiny since March, when a large cache of half-burnt cash bundles was found in the storeroom of his official residence in Delhi following a fire.
