A Lok Sabha inquiry committee has found Justice Yashwant Varma guilty in connection with the discovery of unexplained cash at his official residence following a fire. The findings, detailed in a report tabled in both Houses of Parliament, raise serious questions about the origin and ownership of substantial currency notes.
Fire Incident Uncovers Unaccounted Cash
The incident first came to light on the night of March 14, 2025, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma's official residence at 30, Tughlaq Crescent, New Delhi. Firefighters responding to the blaze reportedly discovered significant amounts of burnt currency notes in a storeroom within the premises.
According to the inquiry committee's report, "Substantial unexplained ₹500 denomination currency notes were found in the storeroom... The Judge failed to furnish a satisfactory explanation regarding the presence, source or ownership thereof."
Committee's Key Observations
- Unexplained ₹500 notes were found in a storeroom at Justice Varma's official residence.
- Justice Varma did not provide a satisfactory explanation for the cash's presence, source, or ownership.
- The storeroom was not immediately sealed, and cleaning occurred after first responders left, complicating later inspections.
- Material evidence (the currency) was later unavailable, indicating improper securing or preservation.
Judicial Inquiry and Resignation
The controversy led to an in-house committee, constituted by then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, which concluded that Justice Varma had "active or tacit control" over the storeroom where the cash was found. Justice Varma, who was a judge of the Delhi High Court, was subsequently repatriated to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court.
In July 2025, over 200 Members of Parliament signed a motion seeking his removal from office. This prompted Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to constitute the three-member Judges Inquiry Committee in August of the same year to examine the charges.
Justice Varma has since resigned from his position. While his resignation effectively renders the removal proceedings "infructuous," the formal notification of his resignation by the law ministry is still pending.
Parliamentary Process and Future Implications
The comprehensive report, spanning two volumes and including oral and documentary evidence, was submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in May. Its tabling in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha marks a significant step in the parliamentary process, bringing the committee's findings into the public domain.
With the report now before Parliament, the case highlights the committee's conclusion that unexplained currency was present at Justice Varma's residence, his failure to provide a satisfactory explanation, and how his resignation has all but halted the formal impeachment process.