Introduction to the Controversy

A recent and highly publicized controversy involving Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court has sparked intense debate on judicial integrity and transparency. The controversy centers on an incident where burnt pieces of Rs 500 notes were allegedly found near his official residence in Lutyens' Delhi. This discovery occurred after a small fire broke out at the premises on March 14, 2025. Justice Varma has vehemently denied any involvement or knowledge of the cash, labeling the claims as part of a conspiracy against him.

Background: The Cash Discovery

The fire led to reports emerging about burnt bundles of cash, which were said to have been found in a storeroom or outhouse on the grounds of Justice Varma's bungalow. The Delhi Fire Service was called in to extinguish the fire, and while they initially reported that no cash was found, subsequent reports and images suggested otherwise. The discrepancy in these accounts has fueled public skepticism and calls for a thorough investigation.

Reactions and Investigations

Supreme Court's Role

In response to the allegations, the Supreme Court constituted a three-member in-house committee to investigate the matter. This committee consists of Chief Justices from the Haryana and Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka High Courts. The Supreme Court has published a report on the matter, which includes photos and videos, to ensure transparency. The court has also made it clear that Justice Varma's transfer to the Allahabad High Court is a separate issue from the ongoing investigation.

High Court Bar Associations' Response

The controversy has led to a combined effort from six high court bar associations, which met with the Supreme Court Collegium to express their concerns and demands. These associations have called for:

• Cancelling Justice Varma's transfer to the Allahabad High Court.
• Withholding judicial and administrative duties from Justice Varma until a complete inquiry is conducted.
• Initiating a criminal investigation into the matter.

Anil Tiwari, President of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association, stated that the Collegium listened to their demands and assured them that each point would be considered.

Judicial Transparency Efforts

In light of this controversy, the Supreme Court judges, including Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, have decided to voluntarily declare their assets publicly. This move aims to enhance transparency and trust in the judiciary. The asset declarations will be uploaded on the Supreme Court's website. This step is seen as a response to growing demands for greater judicial accountability following the Justice Varma controversy.

Legal Context: Judicial Accountability

The issue raises questions about the existing mechanisms for handling allegations of corruption against judges. The K Veeraswami v/s Union of India case in 1991 set a precedent for how judges are treated under the Prevention of Corruption Act. However, the procedural complexities and legal protections for judges often complicate the process of initiating criminal proceedings.

Political Reactions

The controversy has also sparked a political reaction, with the Union government reaching out to political parties to discuss the matter. There are calls for reinstating the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) to reform the process of appointing judges, which currently operates under the collegium system.

Conclusion

The discovery of burnt currency notes near Justice Yashwant Varma's residence has ignited a national conversation about judicial integrity and transparency. As investigations continue, the judiciary's response will be closely watched to ensure that accountability is maintained while protecting the independence of the judiciary.

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