New Delhi [India]: Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has convened a meeting on Monday to deliberate on his observations in the Upper House on March 21 regarding the alleged cash discovery at the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma.
The 11:30 AM meeting will include Leader of the House JP Nadda and Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge. The discussion will focus on the constitutional and legislative implications of the incident, particularly in response to concerns raised by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh.
Background: Cash Found at Justice Yashwant Varma’s Residence
The controversy erupted after a fire broke out at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma on March 14, inadvertently leading to the discovery of large amounts of cash by fire tenders.
Following this, sanitation workers later claimed they found burnt pieces of Rs 500 notes near the judge’s official residence.
Judiciary and Political Leaders React
On March 21, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh sought Rajya Sabha’s response on judicial accountability and highlighted a pending impeachment notice against a judge of the Allahabad High Court.
In response, Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the need for constitutional integrity, stating:
“What appears in the Indian Constitution must first emanate from our founding fathers, and any change must be sanctioned by Parliament and the President under Article 111.”
Dhankhar also referenced a historic legislation, passed with unanimous support from Rajya Sabha and endorsed by 16 state assemblies, questioning its current status and effectiveness in addressing judicial corruption.
Supreme Court Orders Inquiry Into the Allegations
In response to the controversy, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on Saturday constituted a three-member committee to investigate the allegations. The committee includes:
- Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu
- Himachal Pradesh Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia
- Karnataka High Court Judge Justice Anu Sivaraman
Additionally, the Supreme Court released an inquiry report by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, who opined that the matter requires a deeper probe.
Justice Yashwant Varma Denies Allegations
Justice Yashwant Varma has categorically denied the allegations, calling it a conspiracy to frame and malign him.
He stated that:
- Neither he nor his family members placed any cash in the storeroom.
- The room where the fire broke out was an outhouse, not the main residence.
- He strongly denounces any suggestion that the cash belonged to him.
Furthermore, the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court directed Justice Varma to preserve all phone communications, including messages and data, as the investigation progresses.
Congress Demands Parliamentary Discussion
Meanwhile, Congress MPs Manickam Tagore and Renuka Chowdhury have submitted Adjournment Motion notices, urging the government to explain and provide assurances regarding the matter.
“It is essential that this issue is thoroughly discussed and the truth is laid bare for the people of India,” their notice reads.