Supreme Court releases video evidence in judge's cash stash case
What's the story
The Supreme Court (SC) released a video, which was shared by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora, of burnt cash recovered from the house of Justice Yashwant Varma. Such evidence has prompted Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna to order a deeper probe into the matter. However, despite such compelling evidence, Justice Varma continues to hold innocence and alleges framing.
Queries
CJI Khanna seeks clarification from Justice Varma
CJI Khanna has directed Delhi HC Chief Justice (CJ Upadhyay) to seek clarifications from Justice Varma on three important things: the source of the cash retrieved from his official bungalow, its origin, and who took it out on March 15. This came after a report submitted by CJ Upadhyay to CJI Khanna about the incident. It has a video and stills of semi-burnt cash allegedly found in Varma's storeroom while firefighters were battling the blaze.
Twitter Post
Video of burnt cash
#WATCH | The Supreme Court released the inquiry report filed by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya into the controversy relating to High Court Justice Yashwant Varma. In his report, the Delhi High Court Chief Justice said that he is of the prima facie opinion… pic.twitter.com/1xgMh8xWNW
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2025
Concerns
Justice Varma expresses concern over conspiracy
CJ Upadhyay, in his report, said access to the storeroom was limited to bungalow residents, domestic staff, and Central Public Works Department (CPWD) personnel. "The inquiry conducted by me does not reveal the possibility of entry or access to the room by any person other than those residing in the bungalow." Justice Varma interprets this as supporting his apprehensions of a conspiracy against him.
Denial
Justice Varma refutes allegations of cash possession
Justice Varma has strongly denied his involvement in the incident, saying he and his family members never kept cash in the storeroom. He called the allegations "totally preposterous" and implied that this is part of a conspiracy to malign him. The judge wasn't home when the fire started on March 14; only his daughter and mother were there.
Process
Supreme Court's in-house inquiry mechanism
The SC has made it clear that the investigation isn't an excuse for executive interference in judicial appointments. The court said an in-house inquiry is already going on and necessary action will be taken based on its findings. However, it said the process involves a three-judge committee assessing it before further action is decided, and removal of a constitutional court judge requires an impeachment motion passed by Parliament.