A Lok Sabha inquiry committee has found former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma guilty in a "cash-at-home" case. The findings stem from the discovery of substantial unexplained currency notes at his official residence after a fire broke out on March 14, 2025.
The inquiry report, which was tabled in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha on August 12, 2026, details how firefighters initially discovered large amounts of burnt currency in a storeroom at his residence on Tughlaq Crescent, New Delhi. Justice Varma's explanations regarding the presence, source, and ownership of the cash were deemed unsatisfactory by the panel.
Details of the Investigation and Findings
The committee's report highlighted several critical issues. It noted that the storeroom where the cash was found was not immediately sealed after the fire. Cleaning activities reportedly took place after first responders left, leading to concerns about the proper securing and preservation of material evidence. The currency was later unavailable for inspection.
The report explicitly stated, "Substantial unexplained ₹500 denomination currency notes were found in the storeroom situated within the official residential premises at 30, Tughlaq Crescent, New Delhi. The Judge failed to furnish a satisfactory explanation regarding the presence, source or ownership thereof."
Resignation and Parliamentary Process
Justice Varma, who was a judge of the Delhi High Court before being repatriated to the Allahabad High Court following the controversy, has since resigned from his position. While his resignation effectively makes the removal proceedings against him infructuous, the Law Ministry has yet to formally notify it.
The inquiry was initiated after more than 200 Members of Parliament signed a motion seeking his removal in July 2025. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla then constituted the three-member Judges Inquiry Committee in August 2025 to examine the serious charges. An earlier in-house committee, formed by then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, had also concluded that Justice Varma had "active or tacit control" over the specific storeroom where the cash was allegedly hidden.
What Happens Next?
With the report now formally before Parliament, the committee's findings stand: unexplained currency was found at Justice Varma's residence, he failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, and his resignation has largely brought a halt to the formal removal process.