Justice Yashwant Varma has come under judicial scrutiny after a three-member Supreme Court-appointed panel confirmed the discovery of unaccounted cash at his official residence.
The incident came to light following a fire outbreak at his government bungalow on March 14.
Chief Justice Seeks Response
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has given Justice Varma 48 hours to respond to the panel’s findings. This move comes in accordance with the principles of natural justice, giving the judge an opportunity to explain before any further action is taken.
Three-Judge Panel
The panel—comprising Chief Justices Sheel Nagu (Punjab and Haryana), G.S. Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh), and Justice Anu Sivaraman (Karnataka)—submitted its detailed report on May 4. The team conducted a thorough probe, examining over 50 individuals including top officials from Delhi Police and Fire Services who were present at the scene.
Cash Found In Storeroom
Despite earlier denials by Justice Varma, the report confirms the presence of large amounts of cash, partially burnt, in the storeroom of his Tughlaq Crescent residence. The panel’s evidence reportedly contradicts the judge’s version of events.
Security officials who responded to the fire claim that some unburnt currency bundles were visible but mysteriously disappeared before investigators could seize them. This has raised suspicions about possible tampering or removal of evidence.
Justice Varma Transferred
Following the incident, Justice Varma was transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court. He was also barred from being assigned any new judicial work, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Earlier, the Supreme Court made public the preliminary findings of Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay, which included photographs and videos of burnt currency bundles recovered from the site.
CJI Khanna, who retires on May 13, is expected to act soon after receiving Justice Varma’s formal reply. Disciplinary options include recommending resignation or initiating removal proceedings under Article 217 of the Constitution.
The Conspiracy
Justice Varma has claimed innocence, stating neither he nor his family placed the cash in the storeroom. He alleged that the incident may have been orchestrated to tarnish his reputation.
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