CJI Initiates Probe into Allegations Against Justice Varma
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has initiated an in-house inquiry into allegations against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, following a reported discovery of large amounts of cash at his official residence after a recent fire incident. The decision marks a significant step in addressing concerns about judicial integrity.
Three-Member Panel Formed for Inquiry
To conduct a thorough investigation, a three-member committee has been constituted under the established in-house mechanism of the judiciary. The panel comprises Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, and Justice Anu Sivaraman of the Karnataka High Court. This committee has been tasked with reviewing all aspects of the matter in detail.
Cash Recovery Sparks Allegations
The issue surfaced after a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official residence on March 14, 2025, around 11:35 PM. During the firefighting operation, a significant amount of cash was reportedly recovered. While media reports have speculated the amount to be around ₹15 crore, there has been no official confirmation on the exact sum. This incident prompted the judiciary to act swiftly to maintain transparency and public confidence.
Judicial Work Suspended for Justice Varma
Following the preliminary developments, the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court has been directed to withhold all judicial responsibilities from Justice Varma until the inquiry concludes. This decision ensures that the investigation proceeds without any interference or conflict of interest.
Transfer Proposal Not Linked to Probe
The Supreme Court clarified that the transfer proposal for Justice Varma to return to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court, is unrelated to the current inquiry. The transfer decision had been made earlier and functions independently of the investigation now underway.
Commitment to Judicial Accountability
The in-house mechanism of the Supreme Court allows for the formation of a panel of three judges when serious allegations are made against a High Court judge. This internal process ensures that complaints are assessed fairly and thoroughly. Transparency will be maintained by publishing relevant reports and responses on the Supreme Court’s official portal.
The inquiry reflects the judiciary’s commitment to upholding accountability within its ranks and protecting the sanctity of the legal system. The outcome of this investigation will be closely followed, as it holds implications for judicial credibility and institutional trust.
