Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has formally forwarded the report of the Supreme Court’s in-house inquiry committee on Justice Yashwant Varma to the President of India and the Prime Minister, along with Justice Varma’s written response to the findings.
Background: Cash Discovery During Residence Fire
The matter arose on March 14, when a fire broke out at the official residence of Justice Yashwant Varma in New Delhi. During firefighting operations, personnel reportedly discovered large quantities of unaccounted cash at the site. Video footage, widely circulated later, showed bundles of currency burning in the flames. At the time of the incident, Justice Varma and his wife were away. Only his daughter and elderly mother were present at the residence.
In-House Committee and Its Findings
An in-house inquiry committee was constituted on March 22 by CJI Khanna, comprising:
- Chief Justice Sheel Nagu (Punjab & Haryana High Court)
- Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh High Court)
- Justice Anu Sivaraman (Karnataka High Court)
The panel examined multiple witnesses, including fire brigade and police personnel, and reviewed photographic evidence of burnt currency bundles. The report was submitted on May 4, concluding that there was “credence” to the allegations and that Justice Varma was liable in the matter.
Justice Varma’s Response and Recommended Action
Currently serving at the Allahabad High Court, Justice Varma was granted time to respond. In his reply, he denied the presence of any cash at his residence and alleged a conspiracy to defame him.
As per the in-house procedure, if the inquiry report finds substance in the allegations, the CJI advises the judge to resign or seek voluntary retirement. If the judge refuses to do so, the CJI then writes to the President and the Prime Minister for further action, including the initiation of removal proceedings in terms of Article 124(4) read with Article 218 of the Constitution.
The forwarding of the report to the President and Prime Minister suggests that the allegations have, prima facie, been found to be credible.
Justice Varma has been given time until May 9 to respond to the CJI.
This development marks a significant moment in the Indian judiciary, as it underscores the mechanisms in place to address allegations of misconduct within its ranks.
