Supreme Court Rejects Petition for FIR Against Justice Yashwant Varma Over Cash Discovery

The Supreme Court has ruled against a petition seeking to file a first information report against Justice Yashwant Varma, following the discovery of unaccounted cash at his home. The court noted that an internal inquiry report had already been submitted to the President and Prime Minister. Varma, who was not present during the cash discovery, claimed the money did not belong to him. The case has raised serious allegations of bribery and corruption, prompting the establishment of a committee to investigate further. This ruling highlights ongoing concerns regarding judicial accountability and integrity.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2025, 20:20 IST

Supreme Court's Decision on Justice Varma's Case

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition that sought the filing of a first information report (FIR) against Justice Yashwant Varma, following the discovery of unaccounted cash at his residence in March.

A bench comprising Justices Abhay Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan informed the petitioner, advocate Mathews J Nedumpara, that the court had previously communicated the findings of an internal inquiry along with Varma’s response to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 8.

“We choose not to entertain this writ petition,” the bench stated. “At this point, it is unnecessary to consider the other requests.”

The cash was reportedly found at Varma’s official residence in Delhi during a response to a fire incident on March 14, while he was serving as a judge at the Delhi High Court. Varma claimed he was in Bhopal at the time and asserted that the money did not belong to him or his family.

The petitioner contended that no FIR had been filed against the judge and that criminal proceedings were not initiated.

It was asserted by the petitioner that the significant amounts of money that were burned and partially destroyed were indicative of bribery or corruption.

On March 22, the Supreme Court released a report that included a video and three images showing bundles of cash allegedly found at Varma’s residence. The court also established a three-member committee to investigate the allegations against him.

A redacted report indicated that Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya had reached out to Varma on March 21, requesting an explanation regarding the cash found in a room of his bungalow.

After Varma opted not to voluntarily retire or resign, the then-Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, forwarded the final inquiry committee report to the president and the prime minister.