A three-member judicial panel investigating allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma has found credence in claims that a large sum of cash was discovered at his official residence in Delhi following a fire incident on March 14. The findings have led Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna to urge Justice Varma to step down voluntarily.
Panel’s Findings and Investigation
The panel, comprising Justice Sheel Nagu (Punjab & Haryana High Court), Justice G S Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh High Court), and Justice Anu Sivaraman (Karnataka High Court), was constituted on March 22 to probe the matter. The inquiry included statements from Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, Delhi Fire Services Chief Atul Garg, firefighters, security personnel, and CRPF officials.
The report, submitted to CJI Khanna on May 4, confirmed that bundles of cash were found in the storeroom of Justice Varma’s residence. A video of the cash haul was reportedly shared with senior judicial authorities.
Justice Varma’s Response and Next Steps
Justice Varma, who was transferred to the Allahabad High Court on April 5, has denied the allegations, claiming that no cash was shown to his staff and suggesting that the incident was a conspiracy against him.
CJI Khanna has given Justice Varma until May 9 to respond to the findings. If he chooses not to resign, the report may be forwarded to the President of India, potentially leading to impeachment proceedings.
With CJI Khanna set to retire on May 13, the window for decisive action remains limited.
