In a major development concerning the ongoing controversy surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma, multiple Bar Associations from various High Courts have issued a joint statement urging Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna to initiate a criminal investigation against him. They have also requested the withdrawal of the recommendation to transfer Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court.
Bar Associations' Demand for Transparency and Action
The official joint statement issued by the Bar Associations highlights the importance of transparency in judicial processes and includes the following key requests:
"The Bar Associations place on record their appreciation for the steps taken by the Chief Justice of India in embracing transparency by making public the report of the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and other materials on the website of the Supreme Court of India."
Read Also:- Delhi High Court Judge Faces Supreme Court Collegium Review Over Cash Discovery
Furthermore, the Bar Associations demand:
- Withdrawal of Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer to Allahabad High Court.
- Suspension of all administrative work assigned to him, in addition to the already withdrawn judicial work.
- Immediate initiation of criminal proceedings as per the legal framework applicable to government servants.
As per the statement signed by Presidents of the High Court Bar Associations of Delhi, Allahabad, Kerala, Karnataka, and Gujarat, the demand stems from the findings in the report submitted by the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court. The report indicates that on March 15, 2025, certain articles were removed from the premises of Justice Varma’s residence. The Bar Associations argue that had a criminal investigation been launched immediately, crucial evidence would not have been lost.
"In these kinds of crimes, there could be involvement of multiple individuals. The failure to register an FIR and initiate criminal proceedings could negatively impact the prosecution of those responsible."
Read Also:- Supreme Court Seeks FIR Against Justice Yashwant Varma, Challenges Internal Inquiry
The statement further warns that if the transfer order of Justice Yashwant Varma is not withdrawn, Presidents of the Bar Associations will convene in Allahabad to show solidarity with the Allahabad High Court Bar Association.
"This step is being taken to lay down accountability standards for judges of higher judiciary and reassess the current in-house procedure approved by the Supreme Court in 1999 and the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life as approved in 1997, followed by the Bangalore Principles of 2002."
Amid the growing controversy, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed, seeking registration of an FIR against Justice Varma. The PIL also challenges the legitimacy of the three-member committee constituted by CJI Sanjiv Khanna to conduct an in-house inquiry.
Read Also:- Justice Yashwant Varma Transferred to Allahabad HC Amid In-House Inquiry Over Cash Controversy
Timeline of the Cash Row Incident
The controversy erupted on March 21, 2025, following news reports about a fire incident at a storeroom in the outhouse of Justice Varma’s official residence. The fire led to the discovery of sacks filled with cash.
March 14, 2025: Fire breaks out at Justice Varma’s residential office while he is out of town.
March 15, 2025 (4:50 PM): Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyay is informed by the Delhi Police Commissioner about the fire incident, which occurred the previous night at 11:30 PM.
March 21, 2025: News reports emerge about large sums of cash discovered at the premises.
March 22, 2025: CJI Sanjiv Khanna forms a three-member committee to investigate the matter as part of the Supreme Court’s in-house procedure.
Read Also:- Supreme Court Clarifies on Justice Yashwant Verma Issue Amid Delhi HC Inquiry
March 24, 2025: The Delhi High Court withdraws all judicial work from Justice Varma, following directives from the Supreme Court.
March 25, 2025: The Allahabad High Court Bar Association announces an indefinite strike, protesting against the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation to transfer Justice Varma.
Justice Yashwant Varma has denied any involvement in the alleged cash hoard and claims that the allegations are part of a conspiracy against him. He maintains that he has no knowledge of the cash found at his residence.
In a significant move towards judicial transparency, the Supreme Court has published:
- The report by the Delhi High Court Chief Justice.
- Justice Varma’s response to the allegations.
- Photographs and video evidence provided by the Delhi Police Commissioner.
