In a dramatic and unprecedented move, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna made public a preliminary inquiry report concerning allegations of unaccounted cash discovered at the residence of Delhi High Court Judge, Justice Yashwant Varma. The revelations have ignited intense debate, raising questions about judicial accountability and potential conspiracies against an esteemed judge.
The Case Unfolds
A fire broke out at the outhouse of Justice Varma’s residence on March 14, leading to an alleged discovery of large amounts of cash. Justice Varma has denied any wrongdoing and claims the entire episode is an attempt to frame and malign him. A viral video purportedly showing burnt currency at the site has further complicated matters.
A high-powered inquiry committee, consisting of two Chief Justices and a High Court judge, has been constituted to investigate the case. Meanwhile, Justice Varma’s judicial responsibilities have been suspended pending the inquiry.
Key Questions That Demand Answers
Who Removed the Debris and Under Whose Instructions?
A security guard stationed at Justice Varma’s residence reportedly stated that some debris, including half-burnt materials, was removed on the morning of March 15. However, crucial questions remain:
- Who ordered the removal of these items?
- Where are they now?
- Why wasn’t the scene immediately secured for forensic examination?
A police report states that four to five half-burnt sacks containing remnants of Indian currency were found at the site. However, Justice Varma and his family, who visited the site after the fire was extinguished, claim they saw no cash, casting doubt on the authenticity of the discovery.
Why Is the Secretary’s Report Silent on the Currency?
The Secretary to the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court inspected the site in Justice Varma’s presence on March 15 at 9:10 PM. His report notes the presence of burnt debris but makes no mention of currency. This omission strengthens Justice Varma’s argument that no cash was found at the site when he and his staff visited.
Would Anyone Store Cash in an Accessible Outhouse?
Justice Varma has strongly denied any connection with the burnt currency, questioning the plausibility of anyone keeping such large sums in a publicly accessible storeroom near the staff quarters. This argument is crucial, especially given that past social media allegations had linked his name to an unrelated Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) case.
Has the Phone Used to Record the Viral Video Been Seized?
The most critical evidence in this case is the video circulating online, allegedly showing burning cash. The footage appears to have been captured by Delhi Police or Fire Department personnel, yet there has been no official confirmation of:
- The seizure of the phone(s) that recorded the video
- The authenticity of the video
- The preservation of digital evidence
Justice Varma has already questioned the legitimacy of the footage in his response to the CJI, further complicating the narrative.
Why the Delay in Informing the Delhi High Court Chief Justice?
The fire broke out on March 14 at 11:30 PM, yet the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court was only informed by the Delhi Police Commissioner at 4:50 PM on March 15—over 17 hours later. During this period, crucial evidence, including the debris, was reportedly removed. What caused this delay, and why did the Commissioner wait so long despite possessing a video of the alleged cash discovery?
Where Is the CCTV Footage?
Justice Varma has maintained that the storeroom was accessible to domestic staff, Central Public Works Department (CPWD) personnel, and security staff. Given his claims of a conspiracy, the CCTV footage of the residence could be key to determining:
- Who had access to the storeroom before and after the fire
- Whether any individuals were involved in planting or removing the cash
- If there were any suspicious activities on the night of the incident
It remains unclear whether the footage has been seized and preserved or if it has conveniently gone missing, as has happened in past high-profile cases.
The Judiciary Under Public Scrutiny
This incident has put the Indian judiciary under intense public scrutiny. Regardless of the outcome, the case underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the judicial system. The inquiry committee must act swiftly, leaving no stone unturned to ensure that justice prevails.
As theories and speculations continue to swirl, the nation awaits clear answers to these pressing questions. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this was a sinister conspiracy or a legitimate case of wrongdoing within the judiciary.
