Justice Yashwant Varma still listed as Allahabad HC Judge despite resignation

S P Singh

New Delhi, May 8: Nearly a month after tendering his resignation, Justice Yashwant Varma continues to be listed as a judge of the Allahabad High Court, indicating that his resignation has apparently not yet been formally accepted by President Droupadi Murmu.

Justice Varma’s name still appears on the official roster of the Allahabad High Court website among the sitting judges. The development has drawn attention because the judge had resigned on April 9 following controversy linked to the alleged recovery of unaccounted cash from his official residence in Delhi after a fire incident.

In his resignation letter addressed to the President, Justice Varma stated that he was stepping down “with immediate effect,” while expressing “deep anguish” over the circumstances leading to his decision.

Legal experts point to Article 217(1) of the Constitution, which says that a High Court judge vacates office by submitting a written resignation to the President. A 1978 Supreme Court judgment in the Gopal Chandra Misra case had clarified that a judge’s resignation becomes effective once it is communicated to the President, especially when it is intended to take effect immediately.

The issue surrounding Justice Varma gained momentum after reports of a fire at his Delhi residence last year allegedly led to the discovery of bundles of cash. The matter later triggered calls for action and discussion over a possible removal motion.

Sources familiar with the developments say the resignation process is still under consideration at the constitutional level. Meanwhile, no official announcement has yet been issued regarding formal acceptance of the resignation.

The case has continued to attract public and legal attention, with debates focusing on judicial accountability, constitutional procedure, and transparency within the higher judiciary.