The Central Government, on March 28, issued a notification approving the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma from the Delhi High Court back to the Allahabad High Court. This decision aligns with the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendations dated March 24.

Justice Varma is currently under an in-house inquiry led by a three-judge panel, which was constituted by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to investigate allegations regarding the discovery of illicit cash at his official residence. Despite protests from the Allahabad High Court Bar Association, the transfer order has been executed.

Read also: No Mandatory Requirement of Graduation or Post-Graduation for Anganbadi Karyakatri: Allahabad High Court

Supreme Court Denies Petition for FIR Against Justice Varma

In a significant development, the Supreme Court today rejected a petition demanding the registration of an FIR and the initiation of a criminal investigation against Justice Varma. The Court emphasized that the findings of the ongoing in-house inquiry should be awaited before taking further legal action.

Background of Justice Yashwant Varma’s Transfer

Justice Varma, who originally served at the Allahabad High Court, was transferred to the Delhi High Court in 2021. His name came under scrutiny on March 21 when reports surfaced about a fire incident in the storeroom of his official residence. The incident reportedly led to the discovery of multiple sacks filled with cash.

On March 22, Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, established a three-member committee to conduct a formal inquiry into the allegations as part of the judiciary's in-house procedure.

Public Disclosure by the Supreme Court

Subsequently, the Supreme Court made public the video footage of fire dousing operations, a report from the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, and Justice Varma’s official response.

Read also: Bar Associations Demand Criminal Investigation Against Justice Yashwant Varma Amidst Cash Row Controversy

Justice Varma has denied all allegations of possessing illicit cash, asserting that the claims are part of a conspiracy against him.

Judicial Work Withdrawn from Justice Varma

Following the directives of the Supreme Court, the Delhi High Court, on March 24, officially withdrew all judicial work assigned to Justice Varma.

The situation continues to develop as the judiciary awaits the outcome of the in-house inquiry, which will determine further actions.

Read also: Allahabad HC Clarifies SARFAESI Act: Additional Commissioner of Police Lacks Authority to Possess Assets