Judge Cash Scandal: Inquiry Panel Finds ‘Sufficient Evidence Of Misconduct’ Against Justice Varma

An internal probe has found sufficient evidence of misconduct against Delhi High Court's Justice Yashwant Varma after burnt cash was recovered from his home. Proceedings for his removal may follow.

Evidence of Misconduct Against Justice Yashwant Varma

Source : PTI

The internal inquiry committee investigating the cash scandal involving Delhi High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma has submitted its report, concluding that there is sufficient evidence of misconduct on his part. The panel has recommended initiating proceedings for his removal from office.

What Is the Case About?

The controversy began on March 14, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s residence. After the blaze was extinguished, police and fire officials reportedly discovered a large quantity of burnt cash at the scene.

On March 22, then Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, constituted a three-judge internal probe committee to investigate the matter. The committee was headed by Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, with Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Karnataka High Court Judge Anu Sivaraman as members.

Report Submitted to Government

The committee submitted its findings to the then Chief Justice on May 4. That report has now come to light. It was forwarded to the President and Prime Minister on May 8 for further action. Sources suggest that a motion may be introduced in Parliament to remove Justice Varma from his position.

Key Findings of the Committee

• In its 64-page report, the committee detailed interviews with 55 individuals, and a review of electronic and physical evidence. It noted several red flags in Justice Varma’s conduct:
• The cash was found in a storeroom under the control of Justice Varma and his family.
• He failed to offer a satisfactory explanation regarding the source of the money.
• At the time of the fire, Justice Varma was not in the city.
• His personal assistant, Rajendra Karki, reportedly instructed fire personnel not to mention the cash in their reports.
• On March 15, the day after the fire, all the burnt notes were removed from the storeroom.
• The roles of Justice Varma’s personal staff and daughter were scrutinized, revealing that Rajendra Karki and Hanuman Prasad Sharma were involved in clearing out the cash.

The committee concluded that Justice Varma's actions were highly irregular and warranted formal proceedings for removal.