The Supreme Court has decided to initiate an in-house inquiry against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma after reports surfaced about a large sum of unaccounted cash discovered at his official residence. The discovery was made by fire department personnel who responded to a fire at the judge’s house on March 14, during the Holi festival. Justice Varma was not at home at the time, and the emergency services were called by his family. The matter was quickly escalated to law enforcement agencies and eventually reached the Chief Justice of India, prompting an urgent meeting among senior judges of the Supreme Court. On March 21, the top court decided to probe the allegations formally.
The controversy has also triggered discussions about judicial accountability, with the Supreme Court Collegium reportedly considering transferring Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court, where he previously served before moving to Delhi in 2021. The situation has added to an already tense atmosphere in the judiciary, as another judge, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court, is also facing criticism for allegedly making communal remarks at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event. Prominent legal figures, including Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, have pointed out that concerns over corruption in the judiciary are longstanding. He emphasized the need for more transparency in judicial appointments and stronger mechanisms to prevent corruption within the system.
Under the Supreme Court’s in-house inquiry mechanism, a three-member panel comprising two Chief Justices from different High Courts and another High Court judge will investigate the allegations. Justice Varma will have an opportunity to present his defense. If the panel finds enough evidence against him, he could be asked to resign voluntarily. If he refuses, the Chief Justice of India may suspend his work and inform both the Prime Minister and the President, initiating a possible removal process. Alternatively, Parliament can remove a constitutional judge through a motion that requires a special majority. As the inquiry unfolds, the case is expected to have significant implications for judicial accountability and integrity in India.
