A late-night fire and cash controversy spark a Supreme Court inquiry into Justice Yashwant Varma.
Timeline reveals key events leading to the recommendation for his removal.
NEW DELHI: Today, on June 19, a major legal controversy has emerged following a mysterious fire at the official residence of Justice Yashwant Varma, who was serving as a judge in the Delhi High Court at the time.
The late-night blaze, which took place at around 11:35 PM on March 14, 2025, at his government-allotted bungalow at 30 Tughlak Crescent in New Delhi, has triggered a high-level inquiry and led to a recommendation by a Supreme Court-appointed committee for his removal.
According to officials, the fire broke out suddenly in the judge’s official residence late at night. The emergency response was swift, and the blaze was brought under control by fire personnel.
However, the incident raised several eyebrows due to its timing and location, and soon became a subject of serious concern within the judiciary and investigative agencies.
A Supreme Court committee was formed shortly after to investigate the incident in detail. This committee included senior judges and legal experts, tasked with assessing the situation and determining whether any wrongdoing or misconduct was involved.
After reviewing the findings, the committee submitted its report to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna.
The committee’s report was then forwarded to the President of India and the Prime Minister’s Office for further action.
It reportedly contained several serious observations and led to the recommendation that Justice Varma be removed from his position.
The timeline of events surrounding this incident is critical for understanding its seriousness. It all started on March 14, 2025, when, as per official records,
“Fire breaks out at around 11:35 pm at Varma’s official bungalow at 30 Tughlak Crescent here.”
Following this incident, internal communications within the judiciary intensified. It is believed that the Chief Justice took the matter with utmost seriousness and ensured a thorough review.
The Chief Justice reportedly stated that
“the independence of the judiciary is non-negotiable, and any conduct that compromises the dignity of the institution must be dealt with firmly.”
While no official criminal charges have yet been filed, the nature of the fire, the place where it occurred, and the subsequent inquiry have raised concerns about transparency and integrity in judicial conduct.
The authorities involved are proceeding cautiously, ensuring that the process respects both judicial independence and the rule of law.
Sources close to the matter mentioned,
“There were internal discussions over the seriousness of the event and its possible implications on judicial propriety.”
As per reports, Justice Varma was given an opportunity to respond to the findings of the inquiry committee.
One senior court official stated,
“The judge was granted time to provide his explanation and clarify the circumstances of the incident.”
Legal experts are now closely watching the next steps. If the recommendation for removal is accepted, it could mark a rare and significant disciplinary action against a sitting High Court judge.
A constitutional process will be followed, which includes the President’s nod and potential parliamentary procedures, depending on how the matter evolves.
Meanwhile, observers have noted the unusual speed and seriousness with which the judiciary has handled this matter.
As a senior advocate commented,
“This is not just about a fire; it’s about institutional credibility and accountability at the highest levels.”
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