In a surprising development within India’s judiciary, the Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma from the Delhi High Court back to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court. This decision follows an alarming incident where a substantial amount of unreported cash was discovered at Varma’s residence after a fire broke out on March 14, 2025, during Holi celebrations.
Justice Varma was not present at home when the fire broke out, and his family members promptly contacted emergency services. The fire was contained quickly, but the aftermath revealed a shocking find: piles of cash hidden in one of the rooms, raising serious concerns about the legitimacy and source of the money.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, convened an emergency meeting on March 20, 2025, after being informed of the cash discovery. Members of the Collegium unanimously decided that Justice Varma’s transfer was necessary considering the potentially damning implications of the incident.
Sources close to the proceedings indicate that the Collegium’s decision was made in light of an adverse report regarding the recovery of the funds. Although specific details regarding the amount of cash found have not been disclosed, the seriousness of the discovery prompted the Collegium to act swiftly. Reports suggest that initial findings indicated the recovered money was likely unaccounted for, further complicating the situation for Justice Varma.
While discussing the next steps, members of the Collegium expressed concerns that letting Varma off with merely a transfer might tarnish the judiciary’s reputation. As a result, there were discussions about possibly initiating an in-house inquiry into the matter. Some members stressed that failing to pursue a more substantial inquiry could damage public trust in the judicial system.
The procedure for an in-house inquiry, as established by guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court in 1999, involves the Chief Justice first seeking a response from the judge involved—in this case, Varma. If the Chief Justice finds the response unsatisfactory or if the nature of the allegations necessitates further investigation, an internal committee may be formed. This committee would typically consist of one Supreme Court judge and two Chief Justices from High Courts.
If the inquiry suggests that the misconduct warrants significant repercussions, the Chief Justice will request the judge’s resignation. Should the judge decline, proceedings for removal can be initiated in Parliament under Article 124(4) of the Constitution.
The startling incident has raised eyebrows across the legal community and beyond, with many questioning how such a significant amount of money could accumulate unnoticed. Given that financial transparency and integrity are cornerstone values for judges, Justice Varma now faces intense scrutiny.
Justice Varma, who took his oath of office as a judge of the Delhi High Court in October 2021, has had an extensive legal career, having previously served as an additional judge at the Allahabad High Court. His professional background includes specialization in constitutional law, corporate laws, and taxation among other areas. He was born on January 6, 1969, in Allahabad, and completed his B.Com from Hansraj College, followed by his LLB from Rewa University.
As the situation unfolds, the emphasis remains on establishing a clear understanding of the origins of the cash found and whether it ties into any wider patterns of financial misconduct. The Collegium’s actions reflect an intent not only to address the immediate issue but also to assure the public that judicial integrity remains a paramount concern.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing scrutiny faced by the judiciary and the necessity of accountability within judicial ranks. The Supreme Court's decisive stance on Justice Varma indicates a serious approach to allegations that could undermine the integrity and public trust placed in the judicial system.
As Justice Varma's transfer back to Allahabad is processed, observers will be watching closely to see if further actions will be taken against him, including the potential for an inquiry or additional measures as deemed appropriate by the judiciary.
