New Delhi [India], March 21: A preliminary inquiry has been launched against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court following allegations over the recovery of a stash of cash from his official residence in Delhi.
According to sources from the Supreme Court, the inquiry was initiated to investigate the allegations, and once the inquiry is completed, Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya will submit a report to the Supreme Court Collegium. The Supreme Court will then decide on further action if necessary.
The controversy arose after a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s residence on March 14, and fire tenders reportedly discovered a large amount of cash. It is believed that the judge was not present at his home at the time of the incident. The discovery prompted an inquiry into whether the funds were part of illicit activities.
Supreme Court sources indicated that if the preliminary inquiry report reveals that the allegations are serious, an in-house committee procedure will be initiated. They further added that the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, had convened on Thursday and decided to transfer Justice Varma to his parent High Court of Allahabad as an initial step following the adverse report.
The transfer is not a final action, as the Collegium noted that it was part of a process, and further actions could be taken based on the findings of the inquiry. The Collegium emphasized that the transfer is a temporary move in the interest of the institution, and additional actions would be pursued if required.
In line with judicial procedures, a High Court Judge can only be removed from office through an impeachment motion passed by Parliament.
This matter was brought to the attention of the Delhi High Court by members of the Bar, who urged Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya to take action. The Chief Justice responded that the judges are already aware of the situation.