Delhi Fire Chief Denies Cash Found at Judge’s Residence
Delhi Fire Services chief Atul Garg has denied reports claiming that cash was recovered during a fire-fighting operation at the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma. His statement comes amidst rising speculation and controversy following the incident and a proposed judicial transfer.
No Cash Found During Fire Operation
A fire broke out on the night of March 14 at Justice Varma’s official residence in Lutyens’ Delhi. The Delhi Fire Services responded swiftly, dispatching two fire tenders, which reached the site within minutes and doused the flames in approximately 15 minutes. The fire, which was confined to a storeroom housing stationery and miscellaneous items, caused no casualties.
In response to claims of cash discovery at the site, Atul Garg clarified that “no cash was found by firefighters during the operation.” He emphasized that the department’s role was solely to control the fire, and no cash recovery was reported from the team involved in the emergency response.
Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Transfer
Following the incident, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, recommended the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court. The transfer decision was stated to be unrelated to any ongoing probe and was instead positioned as part of routine judicial assignments.
Simultaneously, an in-house inquiry has been initiated by the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court to investigate the broader circumstances and allegations tied to the incident. The findings of the inquiry will be reviewed by the Chief Justice of India.
Legal Community Reacts
The proposed transfer has not gone unnoticed. Members of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association voiced objections, stating that the High Court should not be seen as a destination for judges under scrutiny.
Justice Varma’s Career
Justice Yashwant Varma began his judicial career at the Allahabad High Court in 2014 and became a permanent judge in 2016. He was later transferred to the Delhi High Court in 2021. His tenure includes key judgments such as granting bail to Dr. Kafeel Khan and decisions on tax reassessment cases.
As the inquiry continues and the judiciary considers next steps, the situation remains fluid. Clarifications from top officials, such as the one issued by the fire department, are shaping the public narrative while the legal process unfolds.
