Congress Member of Parliament Manish Tewari has raised concerns regarding the legal standing of Justice Yashwant Varma’s resignation. This question arises just before the inquiry committee report is scheduled to be presented in the Lok Sabha, under the Judges (Inquiry) Act of 1968.

Tewari emphasised that the details of the report will only become public once distributed to the Members of Parliament. He specifically queried whether Parliament has the authority to begin impeachment proceedings against a judge who has resigned, but whose resignation has either not been accepted or has not been formally acknowledged.

Highlighting the ambiguity surrounding Justice Varma’s status, Tewari stated, “Justice Yashwant Varma has resigned. His resignation has either not been accepted or, if accepted, has not been officially communicated.” This statement underscores the need for a clarification from the government regarding the status of Justice Varma’s resignation.

Government’s Responsibility to Clarify Resignation Status

In his remarks, Tewari called upon the government to elucidate whether Justice Varma’s resignation has been accepted, rejected, or if it remains pending. He termed this a fundamental legal question that requires an answer from the authorities. Tewari also noted that the Allahabad High Court’s official website continues to list Justice Varma as an active judge, adding to the confusion.

As the inquiry report approaches its unveiling, MPs and the general public await clarification on these matters. The lack of transparency poses questions about judicial integrity and accountability. Tewari’s insistence on transparency suggests that remaining uncertainties could have broader implications for the judiciary’s functioning.

Concerns regarding the acceptance and notification of judicial resignations are not merely procedural; they touch on principles of governance and the separation of powers. Tewari’s call for clarity emphasizes the need for robust communication regarding judicial appointments and resignations.

Punjab’s Economic Challenges Ahead of 2027 Elections

In addition to his remarks on Justice Varma’s resignation, Tewari highlighted several pressing challenges facing Punjab as the state approaches the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections. He pointed out that Punjab’s debt-to-GDP ratio is among the highest in the country, with projections suggesting that the state’s debt could reach Rs 4.47 lakh crore by March 2027.

According to Tewari, Punjab is grappling with multiple issues, including substantial public debt, agricultural distress, severe groundwater depletion, a scarcity of employment opportunities, and the rise of narco-terrorism, which he referred to as a form of “gangsterism.” These factors create a complex situation for voters as they assess the state of their region before casting their ballots.

Additionally, Tewari highlighted the plight of farmers in Punjab, many of whom manage small landholdings that render agriculture unsustainable as a sole source of income. He expressed concern that despite the availability of a minimum support price, many farmers may struggle to maintain their livelihoods.

Groundwater depletion has been another critical issue, with Tewari stating that levels in some areas have dropped by approximately 30 to 40 metres over the past three decades. In certain districts, groundwater levels have receded to depths between 600 and 700 feet, illustrating the environmental challenges facing the region.

Lastly, Tewari addressed the lack of industrialisation and job training in Punjab, which has led many young individuals to seek employment opportunities abroad. As barriers to immigration become more stringent, the situation is further complicated, questioning whether the governance approach is adequately addressing these challenges.

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