What’s Next for Justice Yashwant Varma Amid Cash Controversy?

The legal troubles for Justice Yashwant Varma intensify as advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara files a new petition in the Supreme Court, demanding the Delhi Police register an FIR concerning the alleged discovery of unaccounted cash at Varma's residence. This incident, which has raised serious questions about judicial integrity, follows a previous dismissal of a similar plea. The ongoing inquiry could lead to significant consequences, including potential impeachment proceedings against Varma. As the situation unfolds, the implications for the judiciary and the involved parties remain critical.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 16, 2025, 16:12 IST

Supreme Court Petition Filed Over Alleged Cash Discovery

New Delhi: Advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara, along with fellow petitioners, has once again approached the Supreme Court, urging the Delhi Police to file a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the alleged recovery of significant unaccounted cash from Justice Yashwant Varma's residence.

The controversy centers around Justice Varma, a former judge of the Delhi High Court, who is implicated in a scandal involving the discovery of a large sum of burnt cash in a storeroom of his bungalow after firefighters responded to a blaze on March 14.

Earlier in May, the Supreme Court dismissed a similar request from the same petitioners, who sought criminal charges against Justice Varma.

A bench led by Justice Abhay S. Oka (now retired) advised Nedumpara that any writ of mandamus should first be directed to the President and Prime Minister, as the matter is currently under their review.

The bench suggested that the petitioners should formally request action from these authorities before returning to the court.

In late March, the same bench had already addressed another plea for the Delhi Police to register an FIR and conduct a thorough investigation into the cash allegations.

The court remarked that the ongoing in-house inquiry could lead to an FIR if wrongdoing is found, but it was not the right time to consider the registration of an FIR.

The latest petition emphasizes that the Union government, responsible for the Delhi Police, has a duty to ensure an FIR is filed.

The petition argues that failing to register an FIR represents a significant failure in the government's obligation to investigate crimes and enforce the law.

The petitioners noted that despite their appeals to the President and Prime Minister, no FIR has been filed against Justice Varma.

They highlighted that the presence of large sums of cash at the official residence of a judge, who handles cases involving substantial financial matters, raises serious concerns about the legality of the funds, suggesting potential violations of the Prevention of Corruption Act and other laws.

In light of the cash discovery, which has caused a stir within judicial circles, Justice Varma has been reassigned to the Allahabad High Court, and an internal investigation has been initiated.

A three-member inquiry committee, established by former Chief Justice Khanna, deemed the allegations serious enough to warrant impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma.

Sources indicate that the Union government is preparing to initiate removal proceedings against Justice Varma, with an impeachment motion expected to be introduced in the next parliamentary session.