'For First Time, A CJI Put All Materials In Public' : Vice President Lauds CJI Sanijv Khanna For Steps In Justice Yashwant Varma Case

Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman, Jagdeep Dhankhar, lauded Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna for publishing the reports related to the in-house procedure against Justice Yashwant Varma over the alleged discovery of cash at his official premises.

Hailing the decision, Jagdeep Dhankhar alled this move "unprecedented" and a "step in the right direction".

"Institutions like judiciary and legislature serve their purpose best when their in-house mechanism is effective, fast, and upholding public trust. Since this time the head of judiciary, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has initiated action in a very, very impactful and transparent manner, it will be worthwhile to wait for the outcome of the Committee as that will enable us to have entire material before us. It is for the first time since independence that a Chief Justice of India has, in a transparent and accountable manner, put all materials available to him in public domain and shared without keeping anything with the Court. This is a step in the right direction." Dhankar said.

Dhankar made the statement in a meeting today with the Leader of the House, JP Nadda, and Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge. This comes after the issue relating to Justice Varma was raised in Rajya Sabha on March 21 by Jairam Ramesh, Indian National Congress Member of Parliament from Karnataka. Assuring a systemic response with transparency accountability and effective mechanisms, Dhankar had stated that he would soon get in touch with the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition. 

Dhankar also appreciated the decision of the CJI to constitute a three-member committee to inquire into the allegations against Varma. The Committee was formed after a report from the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court was submitted. The members of the Committee are - Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court; Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh; and Justice Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the High Court of Karnataka.

Dhankar also considered a suggestion put by Kharge that consistent with Parliamentary practice, the issue needs to be deliberated with floor leaders.

"A very thoughful suggestion emanated from Kharge ji that is consistent with Parliamentary practice, the issue needs to be deliberated with the floor leaders and finding the suggestion in order and full approval of all three of us, a meeting with accordingly be scheduled where I would extend an invitation to floor leaders in the Council of States to take a call on this. I have indicated firmly that steps taken so far by the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, are unprecedented if we go by past performance and no efforts will be spared to make available in public domain by way of inquiry that could possibly be a requirement in such a challenging situation that is agitating members of the judiciary, members of the bar, Parliamentarians and the public at large. I will schedule a meeting and send intimation as suggested...they believe that institutions in the Country must blossom only with integrity and public commitment and such kind of malaise needs to be eradicated so that we don't have a recurrence of it"