A recent fire at the official residence of Delhi High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma has escalated into a significant judicial controversy. Firefighters responding to the incident reportedly discovered burnt currency notes, prompting an investigation that has captured national attention. This article delves into the sequence of events, the ongoing investigations, and the implications for the judiciary.
In This Article:
The Incident: Fire and Discovery of Burnt Cash
On the night of March 14, 2025, a fire broke out in a storeroom at Justice Yashwant Varma’s official residence in Tughlak Crescent, New Delhi. The blaze was initially reported by Justice Varma’s personal secretary via a PCR call. Firefighters extinguishing the fire allegedly found burnt currency notes at the scene, raising concerns about the origin and legitimacy of the cash.
Immediate Response and Preliminary Findings
Following the discovery, Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya initiated an internal inquiry. The key findings from the inquiry report include:
- No evidence of forced entry into the storeroom was found.
- The storeroom was used to store household items and was accessible to domestic staff, gardeners, and CPWD workers.
- Some debris and half-burnt items were removed from the storeroom on the morning of March 15.
- Given the seriousness of the allegations, Chief Justice Upadhyaya recommended a deeper probe.
Justice Varma’s Response: Allegations of Conspiracy
Justice Varma has strongly denied any wrongdoing, labeling the allegations as an attempt to malign him. In his response to the inquiry panel, he stated that neither he nor his family had any connection to the cash allegedly found at the site. He emphasized that he and his wife were not in Delhi at the time of the fire and that the storeroom is a common area used by staff, not part of his main residence.
Supreme Court’s Intervention: Formation of an Inquiry Committee
In light of the serious allegations, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna constituted a three-member committee to investigate the matter. The committee comprises Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Judge of the High Court at Calcutta; and Justice Nisha M. Thakker, Judge of the High Court of Gujarat. The Supreme Court also directed Justice Varma to preserve all data and messages on his phone and sought security records from the past six months. Additionally, Justice Varma has been relieved of judicial duties pending the inquiry’s outcome.
Release of Video Evidence: Public Disclosure
The Supreme Court released videos and photographs purportedly shared by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora with Chief Justice Upadhyaya. The footage shows a fireman pulling out half-burnt wads of cash in plastic bags, adding to the scrutiny surrounding the incident.
Transfer of Justice Varma: Administrative Actions
In a significant administrative move, the Supreme Court Collegium decided to transfer Justice Varma back to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court. Sources indicate that Chief Justice Khanna viewed the matter seriously, and the transfer aims to uphold the judiciary’s integrity during the ongoing investigation.
Public and Legal Community Reactions: Calls for Transparency
The incident has elicited strong reactions from the public and the legal community. Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal emphasized the need for a more transparent appointment process for judges, highlighting that corruption within the judiciary is a serious issue that requires immediate attention.
Background on Justice Yashwant Varma: Career and Credentials
Justice Yashwant Varma was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court in October 2014 and became a permanent judge in February 2016. He was transferred to the Delhi High Court in October 2021. Born on January 6, 1969, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, Justice Varma completed his B.Com (Honours) at Delhi University’s Hansraj College and obtained his LL.B from Rewa University in Madhya Pradesh. He enrolled as an advocate in the Allahabad High Court on August 8, 1992, handling matters related to the Constitution, labor disputes, industrial laws, corporate laws, and taxation.
Implications for the Judiciary: Upholding Integrity and Public Trust
This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining transparency and integrity within the judiciary. The swift actions taken by the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court reflect a commitment to uphold judicial standards and public trust. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will be pivotal in addressing concerns and ensuring accountability within the judicial system.
Moving Forward
The discovery of burnt cash at Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence has sparked a significant judicial controversy, leading to an ongoing investigation and administrative actions. As the inquiry progresses, the judiciary’s response will play a crucial role in reinforcing its commitment to integrity and transparency.
By – Nikita
