Justice, it seems, has gone up in flames! In an unprecedented and shocking turn of events, a fire at the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma led to the discovery of a massive stash of unaccounted cash, sending shockwaves across the judiciary and legal circles.
The chain of events began when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official residence. The judge himself was not at home, and the emergency was reported by his family members, who called in the fire department.
Upon arrival, the firefighters extinguished the “minor fire” within 15 minutes but made a major discovery – a staggering pile of cash, stashed away in a room. The findings were documented and escalated the matter to superiors. From there, the information traveled rapidly up the chain of command to senior government officials, and soon enough, to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna.
Essential Guide for Auditors & Finance Professionals!, Click Here
The CJI immediately convened an emergency meeting of the Supreme Court Collegium to discuss the matter. Certain reports allege that a video showing bundles of cash being burned inside the residence of the arraigned judge had been shared with the Collegium.
Post discussion, it was decided by the Collegium that Justice Yashwant Varma be transferred back to the Allahabad High Court where he served previously.
Read More: New Criminal Law Provisions on Rights on Arrest Applicable to GST/Customs Act Arrests: Supreme Court
The transfer, however, does not mean the controversy is over. Whispers in legal circles suggest that some members of the Collegium had suggested stricter action, including asking Justice Varma to resign. Should he refuse, a formal internal inquiry could be launched, which may even lead to his removal via impeachment by Parliament under Article 124(4) of the Constitution.
President of the Supreme Court Bar Association and Member of Rajya Sabha, Kapil Sibal called on the Supreme Court to review the Judicial Appointment process. Advocate Sibal further commented that the “issue of corruption within the judiciary” is a serious issue, and called for a check on the powers vested upon judges so as to prevent free reign.
Meanwhile, Justice Varma did not hold court on March 15. His court staff openly confirmed that he was on leave, an absence that did not go unnoticed by the Delhi High Court Bar. Senior Advocate Arun Bhardwaj raised the issue before Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya, stating, “Today’s incident has pained many of us. Please take some steps on the administrative side so that these incidents do not happen in future and the truthfulness of the judicial system is maintained. We are shaken and demoralized.” In response, Chief Justice Upadhyaya admitted, “So is everybody… We are conscious of the situation.”
The incident is another stark reminder of the state of affairs of our nation – and especially of the very super structure that is meant to pillar the system.
This is not just about Justice Varma. This is about the sanctity of the legal profession and credibility of the Delhi High Court, the Supreme Court, and the entire Indian judiciary. Will the judiciary truly hold one of its own accountable to the full force of the law? Let’s wait and watch.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
