Fire exposes unaccounted cash: Rs 15 crore found at Delhi HC judge's residence

NEW DELHI: A fire broke out at the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma. During firefighting operations, the fire brigade and police discovered bundles of cash inside one of the rooms. Reports suggest that the amount could be around Rs 15 crore, unaccounted for.

The incident occurred on the evening of March 14, coinciding with the festival of Holi. However, the matter came to light only recently after an emergency meeting of the Supreme Court Collegium. A majority of the judges in the meeting reportedly demanded strict action.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna sought a detailed report from the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. It is learned that the report, including Justice Varma’s explanation, was submitted last night. An internal inquiry is also underway. Justice Yashwant Varma has gone on leave. He was appointed to the Delhi High Court in October 2021 after serving as a judge in the Allahabad High Court.

There were media reports claiming that Justice Varma was transferred back to the Allahabad High Court. However, the Supreme Court issued a press release denying these reports, clarifying that while his transfer is under consideration, it has no connection to the current developments.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha, drawing the attention of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who assured strong action. Senior advocate Indira Jaising demanded that the Supreme Court Collegium reveal the exact amount of cash recovered. The All India Lawyers Union has also called for impeachment.

Bundles of cash in police custody

Justice Varma and his wife were in Bhopal at the time of the fire. It was his family members who called the fire force and the police. While dousing the fire, officials discovered a large stash of cash in one of the rooms. The police recorded video evidence and took custody of the cash, informing the Home Department. The Delhi government then passed on the information to the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court.

Allahabad High Court bar strongly opposes transfer
Following reports of Justice Varma’s potential transfer back to the Allahabad High Court, the local Bar Association strongly opposed the move. They stated that the Allahabad High Court should not be treated as a dumping ground for tainted judges.

• The Supreme Court Chief Justice will review the Delhi High Court Chief Justice’s report.
• The Supreme Court Chief Justice will seek a detailed explanation from the judge.
• If the explanation is unsatisfactory, an internal inquiry committee will be formed.
• If found guilty, impeachment proceedings may be initiated.
• Impeachment requires two-thirds majority support in both Houses of Parliament.

"I was shocked when I came to know about the incident,"
— Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court