Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The transfer of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma is not the end of the controversy surrounding the massive cache of unaccounted cash found at his Delhi bungalow, sources said on Friday. Instead, it’s just the first step in a wider investigation initiated by the Supreme Court, which has ordered an in-house inquiry into the matter.
Justice Varma, currently on leave, has been transferred to the Allahabad High Court, his parent court, following a unanimous decision by the Supreme Court Collegium, sources confirmed. However, further action may follow based on the findings of the inquiry—including possible resignation or removal from office by Parliament under Article 124(4) of the Constitution.
Cash Discovery During Fire Response Triggers National Alert
The row came to light during the Holi weekend, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s bungalow in Delhi. Firefighters responding to the blaze discovered a large sum of unaccounted cash and reported it to the police. The incident swiftly reached the Supreme Court, prompting the five-member Collegium to take note.
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna took a serious view of the incident and sought a detailed report from Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya. He also briefed fellow judges about the sensitive nature of the case.
Judicial Integrity Under Scrutiny
Justice Varma, appointed to the Delhi High Court in 2021, has not issued any public statement on the matter. His transfer has reignited a broader debate on judicial transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the functioning of the Collegium system.
Prominent legal figures, including senior advocates Kapil Sibal and Indira Jaising, have urged the judiciary to take stronger action against corruption within its ranks.
• Kapil Sibal, also a Rajya Sabha MP, stated, “This is not something being raised for the first time.”
• Indira Jaising told PTI, “The Collegium has a duty to fully disclose the facts and the amount recovered.”
Political Reaction and Demand for Transparency
The matter also reached the Rajya Sabha, where Congress MP Jairam Ramesh raised the issue and sought a response from Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar.
Mr Dhankhar, himself a former lawyer, expressed concern over the delay in public disclosure, calling for a transparent, accountable, and systemic response.
What’s Next?
The outcome of the in-house investigation will determine Justice Varma’s fate. If found guilty of misconduct, he may be forced to resign or could be removed through parliamentary procedure. Legal experts are closely watching the inquiry as it tests the credibility and internal checks of the judiciary.
