The Supreme Court-appointed in-house inquiry committee has confirmed the presence of cash at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma during a fire incident on the night of 14 March 2025. The findings were submitted in a detailed report to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, who is expected to decide on further action before retiring next week.
Sources familiar with the matter told India Today that the report has been forwarded to Justice Varma, currently serving at the Allahabad High Court, and he has been given two days to respond. The move is in line with the principles of natural justice, ensuring the judge is given an opportunity to present his side before any decisions are made.
According to highly placed sources, Justice Varma has been offered the option to resign from his position. If he declines, the Supreme Court may consider initiating impeachment proceedings. His response is expected to be submitted by the end of this week.
Chief Justice Khanna, who convened a meeting with Supreme Court judges ahead of Monday’s court proceedings, is believed to have briefed them on the report’s findings. The decision regarding public disclosure of the report also rests with the CJI.
The in-house inquiry was initiated on 22 March 2025 and involved a three-member committee comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu (Punjab and Haryana High Court), Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh High Court), and Justice Anu Sivaraman (Karnataka High Court).
The report, described as “voluminous” by sources, includes a detailed chronology of events surrounding the March 14–15 fire at Justice Varma’s Delhi residence. It documents the timeline of the incident, the emergency response, and the presence of individuals at the scene. Statements were recorded from Justice Varma, his staff, Delhi Fire Services personnel, police officials, and judicial officers, including the Delhi High Court Registrar.
Photographs and videos of burnt currency notes, forensic analysis, and documentation by visiting judges form part of the evidence collected by the panel. Notably, the report is categorized as a fact-finding exercise and is not legally binding. However, its contents are expected to play a crucial role in shaping any forthcoming actions.
The controversy began when firefighters responding to the blaze at Justice Varma’s home discovered large quantities of burnt cash in a storeroom. Footage of the scorched currency circulated on social media, prompting public outcry and allegations of corruption.
In the midst of the uproar, Justice Varma was transferred to the Allahabad High Court. The Supreme Court later clarified that the transfer was an administrative decision, independent of the ongoing inquiry.
CJI Sanjiv Khanna, who retires next week, is expected to take a final call on the matter in what could be one of the last major decisions of his tenure.
(With inputs from India Today)
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