SC panel confirms cash discovery allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma
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New Delhi: A Supreme Court-appointed panel has confirmed allegations regarding the discovery of cash at the residence of Allahabad High Court's Justice Yashwant Varma, according to sources. The inquiry report, which contains critical findings, has reportedly led Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna to urge the judge to step down.
Following the principle of natural justice, the CJI has forwarded the panel’s report to Justice Varma and sought his response, sources said.
The three-member panel, comprising Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia, and Karnataka High Court Justice Anu Sivaraman, submitted its report to the CJI on May 3.
The panel conducted a thorough investigation, analysing evidence and recording statements from over 50 individuals, including Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and Delhi Fire Service Chief, both of whom were among the first responders to the fire incident at Justice Yashwant Varma’s Lutyens Delhi residence at 11:35 pm on March 14. At the time, Justice Varma was serving as a Delhi High Court judge.
According to sources, the panel uncovered clear evidence confirming allegations that a large stash of cash was discovered in the storeroom of Justice Varma’s official residence during the fire incident. However, the judge has repeatedly denied these claims in his response to the Delhi High Court chief justice.
Sources further indicate that Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, who is set to superannuate on May 13, is likely to see the issue through to its logical conclusion. He has reportedly informally discussed the findings with senior collegium members of the Supreme Court.
The controversy was raised following a news report in the cash discovery row and led to several steps, including a preliminary inquiry by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya, judicial work being taken away from Justice Varma in the Delhi High Court, and later his transfer to the Allahabad High Court sans judicial work.
On March 24, the apex court collegium recommended the repatriation of Justice Varma to his parent Allahabad High Court.
On March 28, the top court asked the chief justice of the Allahabad High Court not to assign any judicial work for now to Justice Varma.
(inputs from PTI)
