How is an in-house inquiry conducted?, Pg 8

Trigger for Inquiry

• Justice Yashwant Varma is under inquiry after burnt currency was found at his residence.

• CJI constituted a 3-member panel following preliminary probe.

What is In-house Inquiry?

• Procedure by Supreme Court (since 1999) to probe allegations against higher judiciary.

• Three judges (2 HC CJ + 1 SC judge) assess misconduct and recommend action to CJI and President.

Judicial Misconduct & Public Trust

• Such inquiries are confidential; no SC judge has faced criminal action despite adverse findings.

• Need for an independent Judicial Conduct Commission, as in the UK.

Collegium System’s Role

• Lack of accountability in appointments partly blamed for repeated judicial misconduct issues.

• Debate to revive NJAC gains momentum for transparency.

Analysis & Way Forward

• Institutional credibility demands greater openness in judicial inquiries.

• Create a permanent independent commission, balance judicial independence with public accountability.

Mains Mock Question:

"Should the in-house inquiry mechanism in India be replaced by an independent statutory body for judicial accountability? Examine with reference to recent controversies."