The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed Justice Yashwant Varma's plea challenging an in-house inquiry report that recommended his removal after a large cash stash was found in his residence earlier this year.

The verdict clears the way for Parliament to hasten impeachment proceedings against the judge, who had also challenged the then CJI's recommendation to the President to remove him.

Significantly, a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih held that the constitution of the in-house committee and the inquiry procedure followed by it was not illegal.

"The CJI and the in-house committee scrupulously followed the process except uploading photos and video, and we have said it was not required. But nothing turned on it because you did not challenge it then," the Supreme Court said.

"We have held that CJI sending letter to the Prime Minister and President was not unconstitutional. We have made certain observations where we have kept it open for you to raise proceedings if needed in the future," the court further said.

Source: India Today