Supreme Court Publishes Inquiry Report on Alleged Cash Discovery at Judge’s Residence
In a significant step towards transparency, the Supreme Court of India has made public the findings of an internal inquiry into allegations surrounding the discovery of cash at the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The report, now available on the court’s official platform, includes photographs, video footage, and a detailed response from the judge denying any wrongdoing.
The incident stems from a fire that broke out on March 14, 2025, at Justice Varma’s official residence in central Delhi. During the firefighting efforts, reports emerged suggesting that approximately ₹15 crore in cash was found in a storeroom. The seriousness of the allegation prompted the judiciary to initiate an in-house investigation.
Justice Varma Denies Allegations
A three-member inquiry committee was constituted, led by Chief Justices and senior judges from various high courts. The committee conducted a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the fire and the subsequent claims of cash discovery.
Justice Varma, in his written response, categorically denied any knowledge or possession of the alleged cash. “Neither me nor any member of my family has kept any cash in the storeroom. We have never transacted in cash. All payments have been made either through banking channels, UPI apps or cards,” he stated. He expressed shock upon viewing the video evidence, calling the entire episode a “conspiracy to frame and tarnish” him.
Judicial Work Suspended Pending Further Action
As a precautionary measure and pending further review, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has directed that Justice Varma be temporarily relieved of judicial duties. The Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court has been instructed not to allocate any judicial work to him until the matter is fully resolved.
The release of the report and accompanying materials signals the judiciary’s commitment to accountability and its intent to maintain the highest standards of integrity. The handling of the matter is being closely watched across the legal community, as it underscores the seriousness with which the Supreme Court treats allegations that could impact public trust in the judicial system.
