The High Court circular further stated that the court master of Division Bench-III, which was led by Justice Yashwant Varma, “will give dates in matters.” This means that ongoing cases under his jurisdiction will now be managed by the court master until further decisions are made.
NEW DELHI: Today, 24th March: The Delhi High Court has immediately taken away judicial responsibilities from Justice Yashwant Varma after a large amount of cash was reportedly discovered at his residence. The decision was announced through an official circular on Monday, raising serious concerns over the issue.
High Court Issues Circular, Transfers Case Dates
The High Court circular further stated that the court master of Division Bench-III, which was led by Justice Yashwant Varma, “will give dates in matters.” This means that ongoing cases under his jurisdiction will now be managed by the court master until further decisions are made.
Supreme Court Forms Three-Judge Committee
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has formed a three-member committee to investigate the allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma. The committee includes the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, and a judge from the Karnataka High Court.
The Supreme Court also made public the inquiry report submitted by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay.
In the report, Chief Justice Upadhyay stated, “I am of the prima facie opinion that the entire matter warrants a deeper probe.”
Supreme Court’s 2015 Ruling on Judicial Inquiry
The Supreme Court, in a landmark 2015 judgment, had laid down the procedure for such inquiries.
The ruling clearly stated, “The inquiry shall be in the nature of a fact-finding inquiry, wherein the judge concerned would be entitled to appear and present his case.”
However, the judgment, written by a bench led by former Chief Justice of India JS Khehar, also clarified that “it will not be a formal judicial inquiry involving the examination and cross-examination of witnesses or representation by lawyers.”
The ruling further emphasized, “The committee shall establish its own procedure, ensuring consistency with the principles of natural justice.”
Chronological Order of Justice Yashwant Verma Cash Found Case
On March 14, 2025, a fire broke out at the official residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma, leading to the discovery of burnt currency notes in an outhouse used as a storeroom. This incident has prompted an ongoing investigation. Below is a chronological overview of the events.
ALSO READ: Notable Judgments by Justice Yashwant Varma: Delhi High Court
March 14, 2025
- 11:43 PM: A fire was reported at Justice Varma’s residence. Firefighters extinguished the blaze in an outhouse serving as a storeroom, where they found partially burnt gunny sacks containing Indian currency notes.
March 15, 2025
- Morning: Debris and half-burnt items were cleared from the storeroom.
- 4:00 PM: Justice Varma and his wife returned to Delhi from Bhopal.
- 4:50 PM: Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora informed Chief Justice (CJ) Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya about the incident.
- Evening: CJ Upadhyaya notified Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and sought additional information from the police.
- 9:10 PM: The registrar-cum-secretary to CJ Upadhyaya visited Justice Varma’s residence, accompanied by Justice Varma and his private secretary. They inspected the storeroom, noting that it was used for storing miscellaneous household items and was generally left unlocked.
March 16, 2025
- Evening: CJ Upadhyaya returned to Delhi and met with CJI Khanna. The registrar-cum-secretary submitted a report detailing the visit to Justice Varma’s residence, observing half-burnt articles and debris in the storeroom.
March 17, 2025
- 8:30 AM: CJ Upadhyaya met with Justice Varma at the Delhi High Court Guest House, presenting photos and videos of the burnt currency found in the storeroom. Justice Varma expressed concerns about a possible conspiracy to frame him.
Recent Developments
- The Supreme Court established a three-member committee to investigate the allegations against Justice Varma.
- Justice Varma has denied any connection to the cash found, stating that neither he nor his family placed any money in the storeroom and suggesting that the allegations are part of a conspiracy to malign him.
- Sanitation workers reported finding burnt pieces of Rs.500 notes near Justice Varma’s residence, adding complexity to the investigation.
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