Justice Varma Cash Row: Vice President Dhankhar Rekindles Judicial Accountability Debate

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has called a meeting to discuss judicial accountability.

He will meet Leader of the House JP Nadda and Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday.

The discussion follows reports of cash allegedly found at Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on March 21, Dhankhar linked the issue to the need for judicial accountability.

He recalled the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, which Parliament had passed but the Supreme Court later struck down.

He said if the law had remained, such incidents might not have occurred.

Dhankhar also pointed out how scrutiny differs for politicians and judges. He noted that allegations against politicians, bureaucrats, or industrialists get immediate attention.

However, issues involving the judiciary often come to light late.

He called for a transparent and accountable system.

This is not the first time Dhankhar has raised concerns over the NJAC.

He has repeatedly said that Parliament’s law-making power should not be weakened by the judiciary or the executive.

The Congress plans to raise the issue in both Houses.

In the Rajya Sabha, MP Renuka Chowdhury has sought a discussion on judicial reforms. In the Lok Sabha, MP Manickam Tagore has moved an adjournment motion.

The Supreme Court has launched an in-house inquiry into the allegations.

A video allegedly shows cash found at Justice Varma’s home after a fire on March 14.

The judicial accountability debate is now back in focus.

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