Introduction

A high-profile investigation has commenced in India following the discovery of a significant amount of cash at the residence of a prominent Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma. This incident has sparked widespread concern within the judicial community and beyond. A three-member committee, appointed by the Supreme Court of India, has been tasked with probing the allegations surrounding this cash discovery.

Background of the Incident

On March 14, 2025, a fire broke out at Justice Yashwant Varma's official residence in the upscale Lutyens' area of Delhi. Firefighters and police responded promptly, dousing the flames and subsequently reporting the discovery of a substantial amount of burnt currency notes in the storeroom of the judge's residence. This revelation has led to a major controversy, with Justice Varma vehemently denying any wrongdoing and attributing the allegations to a conspiracy aimed at discrediting him[1][2].

Supreme Court Committee Inquiry

In response to these allegations, the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, constituted a three-member in-house committee to investigate the matter. The committee consists of:

• Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
• Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
• Justice Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the Karnataka High Court[3][4].

On March 25, 2025, the members of this committee visited Justice Varma's residence and spent approximately 30-45 minutes inspecting the premises. Their investigation includes reviewing call records and the sequence of events on the night of the cash discovery, underscoring the seriousness with which this matter is being treated[4].

Key Aspects of the Inquiry

• Scope of Investigation: The committee's probe is focused on verifying the authenticity of the cash discovery, understanding the circumstances leading up to the incident, and evaluating Justice Varma's response to the allegations.
• Significance of the Investigation: This inquiry holds significant implications for the judiciary's reputation and its stance on integrity and transparency.
• Justice Varma's Stance: He has maintained that the allegations are part of a malicious plot to impugn his character, stating that neither he nor his family members placed cash in the storeroom[2][3].

Judicial and Collegium Actions

In light of these developments, the Supreme Court collegium decided to repatriate Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court from the Delhi High Court. This decision followed a withdrawal of his judicial duties by the Delhi High Court Chief Justice, DK Upadhyaya. The collegium's action reflects the seriousness with which these allegations are being viewed, highlighting concerns about judicial integrity and public trust[1][5].

Overview of Collegium Decisions

• Repatriation: Justice Varma's transfer is seen as a measure to address the public outcry and maintain institutional integrity.
• Withdrawal of Judicial Duties: This action ensures that Justice Varma does not engage in judicial activities until the resolution of the inquiry.
• Public Perception: The swift actions by the judiciary underscore its commitment to investigating serious allegations promptly.

Legal Implications and Public Reaction

The discovery of cash at a high-ranking judge's residence has raised critical questions about accountability and oversight within the judiciary. While an in-house inquiry is underway, there are also calls for more stringent legal actions, including the registration of an FIR against Justice Varma. The Supreme Court, however, has deferred urgent consideration of such pleas, choosing to proceed with its internal investigation first[5].

Public and Media Response

• Calls for Transparency: There is growing pressure for transparency and thoroughness in the investigation process.
• Judicial Accountability: This incident has reignited debates on judicial accountability and the need for robust mechanisms to investigate allegations against judges.
• Media Coverage: The case has received extensive media attention, highlighting concerns about judicial integrity and the potential for abuse of power.

Conclusion

The cash discovery row surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma is a pivotal moment for the Indian judiciary, testing its ability to self-regulate and maintain public trust. As the Supreme Court's investigation unfolds, the judiciary must navigate the delicate balance between upholding its institutional integrity and ensuring fair treatment of its members. The outcome of this probe will significantly influence perceptions of judicial accountability and transparency in India.