Who Is Justice Yashwant Varma, At The Center Of Cash Discovery Controversy?

Justice Yashwant Varma has found himself at the centre of controversy following a substantial amount was seized at his residence in Delhi. The incident reportedly came to light after a fire broke out at his home, prompting an investigation into the matter.

In response to the allegations, the Supreme Court collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, has initiated a preliminary inquiry. This is not a formal in-house probe but rather a preliminary step to gather information. The Collegium has also reportedly moved to transfer Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court, his parent court, though the transfer is yet to be officially approved by the Centre, according to a report in PTI.

Who is Sanjiv Khanna?

Justice Varma, who was appointed as a Delhi High Court judge in October 2021, had earlier served as a judge in the Allahabad High Court.

Justice Varma, born in 1969 in Allahabad, had done his B.Com (Honours) from Delhi University's Hansraj College. Then he pursued his LLB from Rewa University in Madhya Pradesh.

He started his legal career in 1992, specializing in constitutional, labour, corporate, and taxation laws. Before his elevation as a judge, he served as special counsel for the Allahabad High Court and was Uttar Pradesh's chief standing counsel.

Following the controversy, Justice Varma, who leads a division bench handling cases related to GST, sales tax, and corporate appeals, did not preside over court proceedings on Friday. His absence was formally communicated to advocates through his court master. Meanwhile, Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya expressed his distress over the unfolding situation.

SC Collegium Acts

The Supreme Court collegium reportedly acted upon being informed by government officials about the alleged cash discovery. There are discussions within the judiciary regarding possible further actions, including calls for Justice Varma's resignation. If he refuses to step down, a formal in-house inquiry could be initiated, as per the Supreme Court's established mechanisms for handling allegations against judges.

Under the judiciary's in-house inquiry system, the Chief Justice of India can, after a preliminary review, constitute a panel of three Supreme Court judges to investigate the matter. Any further action would be based on their findings. However, the ultimate removal of a judge from a constitutional court can only be carried out through an impeachment motion in Parliament.

The exact amount of cash allegedly found at Justice Varma's residence remains undisclosed. While the collegium's immediate step is to transfer him, more severe actions could follow depending on the outcome of further investigations.