Why wasn’t any FIR slapped on Justice Varma, MPs ask govt | India News
NEW DELHI: MPs on Tuesday asked the Centre why an FIR was not filed against Justice Yashwant Varma from whose house unaccounted cash was allegedly recovered, and no action taken against Allahabad HC Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, who made a “hate speech” – bringing to focus the twin controversies about judges which are set to echo in the coming monsoon session of Parliament.At a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on personnel, grievances, and law and justice, sources said several members demanded that a law be brought to codify the code of conduct for judges, so that it became legally binding. Sources said govt, represented by the department of justice, was asked to prepare a report on all the issues raised, which would be discussed in the next meeting. The panel is in the middle of discussing the code of conduct for judiciary and judicial reforms.The justice department’s secretary made a presentation. But it was followed by MPs asking if the code was being followed in letter and spirit, as they raised several controversial issues pertaining to judges like post-retirement jobs, political statements in public, association with ideological outfits, accountability, declaration of assets. Some members also stated that relatives of judges were still practising in the same courts, which should not be allowed. It was asserted that judges should not take up govt assignments within five years of retirement. Members also demanded that the President should not appoint judges as MPs or hand them other assignments after retirement.It was asked why a police case was not filed against Justice Varma, and why Supreme Court had not taken action against Justice Yadav. While the govt announced that it would bring a motion in the monsoon session to remove Justice Varma, MPs said he should have been removed by now. There is no word yet on the notice submitted by the opposition in Rajya Sabha last Dec to remove Yadav.
