What is the current issue?
A fire at Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma's residence revealed a large amount of burnt cash.
The Delhi High Court Chief Justice conducted a preliminary inquiry, suggesting a deeper probe.
A three-member committee was formed for an in-house inquiry.
What is an in-house procedure?
It's a Supreme Court-developed inquiry process for alleged judicial misconduct.
Established in 1999 and made public in 2014.
The CJI decides if a complaint warrants inquiry.
The judge's response and the concerned High Court Chief Justice's comments are considered.
A three-member committee (Chief Justices and judges) is formed for the inquiry.
The committee recommends action, including potential removal.
If removal is recommended and the judge doesn't resign, Parliament is informed.
Different committee compositions exist for High Court and Supreme Court judges.
In this case, the committee consists of the Chief Justices of Punjab and Haryana, Himachal Pradesh High Court, and a judge of Karnataka High court.
What reforms are required?
Increased transparency by disclosing key findings of in-house inquiries.
Ensuring criminal punishment for judges found guilty of misconduct.
Establishing an autonomous body similar to the U.K.'s Judicial Conduct Investigations Office.
Reconsidering the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) to reform the collegium system.
Creating a broad-based NJAC with representatives from various stakeholders, while maintaining judicial independence.
Increase the transparency of the collegium system.
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