CJI Forwards Inquiry Report on Justice Yashwant Varma to President and Prime Minister
In a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged cash recovery from a High Court judge's residence, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has formally communicated with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This communication includes the report of the Supreme Court-appointed inquiry committee and a response from Justice Yashwant Varma, currently serving in the Allahabad High Court.
Background of the Case
On March 14, 2025, reports emerged regarding the alleged discovery of partially burned sacks of cash at the official residence of then-Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma. The allegations sparked a major controversy within judicial and legal circles, prompting the Supreme Court to take swift internal action.
On March 22, 2025, the Chief Justice of India constituted a three-member inquiry committee under the in-house procedure to investigate the allegations. The panel comprised:
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Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court
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Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court
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Justice Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the Karnataka High Court
Submission of Inquiry Report
The inquiry committee completed its probe and submitted the report dated May 3, 2025, to the Chief Justice of India on May 4, 2025. Following the internal guidelines, the CJI forwarded the findings, along with Justice Varma’s written response (received on May 6), to both the President of India and the Prime Minister.
As per in-house procedure, if the report suggests that executive action may be necessary, the Chief Justice is obligated to alert the top constitutional authorities. However, the Supreme Court has not yet released the contents of the inquiry report to the public.
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Justice Varma's Transfer and Controversial Oath-Taking
Amid the inquiry, Justice Yashwant Varma was transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court. His swearing-in, conducted on April 5, 2025, raised eyebrows as it was done privately, bypassing the usual public ceremony. Notably, Justice Varma has not been assigned any judicial or administrative responsibilities since his induction.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed before the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, requesting a delay in the oath-taking until the completion of the inquiry. Despite the petition, the oath was administered.
Bar Association's Strong Reaction
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association sharply criticized the appointment. In a stern letter to the Chief Justice and Collegium members, the association stated:
"We are not a dumping ground."
The Bar has called for greater transparency and accountability in judicial transfers and appointments, voicing concern over the Collegium's decision to proceed with the transfer amid a serious ongoing inquiry.
Justice Yashwant Varma’s Profile
According to the Allahabad High Court website, Justice Varma:
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Graduated with a law degree from Rewa University in 1992
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Enrolled as an Advocate on August 8, 1992
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Practiced predominantly in civil law, with expertise in:
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Constitutional Law
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Industrial Disputes
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Corporate Law
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Taxation
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Environmental Law
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Served as Special Counsel for the Allahabad High Court from 2006 until his elevation to the bench in 2012
Implications and Ongoing Developments
The future role of Justice Varma in the Allahabad High Court remains uncertain. The forwarding of the inquiry report to the highest constitutional offices indicates the seriousness of the matter and may prompt executive intervention, depending on the findings of the report.
This case has reopened debates about judicial integrity, the functioning of the Collegium system, and the need for institutional accountability in India’s higher judiciary.
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