All About Justice Yashwant Varma And The Controversy That’s Making Headlines

New Delhi: Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma is at the centre of a major controversy after a large stash of cash was recovered from his bungalow. The revelation has triggered an intense debate, putting the spotlight on the senior judge and raising concerns about judicial integrity and accountability. As the case unfolds, here’s a closer look at Justice Varma’s background and the controversy that has thrust him into the headlines. 

Who is Justice Yashwant Varma? 

Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma, currently at the centre of the cash-in-home controversy, has had an extensive legal career spanning over three decades.  Here’s a detailed look at his background, judicial journey, and major rulings.

Early Life & Education

• Born on January 6, 1969, in Allahabad.
• Completed B.Com (Honours) from Hansraj College, Delhi University.
• Earned his LLB degree from Rewa University, Madhya Pradesh.

Judicial Career & Appointments

• Enrolled as an advocate in 1992.
• Appointed as an additional judge of the Allahabad High Court on October 13, 2014.
• Took oath as a permanent judge of the Allahabad High Court on February 1, 2016.
• Transferred to Delhi High Court in October 2021.
• The Supreme Court collegium, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, recently recommended his transfer back to the Allahabad High Court.

Legal Expertise & Advocacy Career

Practised at the Allahabad High Court, specializing in:

• Constitutional law
• Labour and industrial laws
• Corporate laws
• Taxation and allied legal matters
• Served as Special Counsel for the Allahabad High Court from 2006 until his elevation to judge.
• Appointed Chief Standing Counsel for the Uttar Pradesh Government (2012–2013).
• Designated as a Senior Advocate in August 2013.

Notable Judgments

Justice Yashwant Varma has delivered several key rulings, some of which had significant legal and financial implications:

SpiceJet vs. Kalanithi Maran Case

Set aside an order upholding an arbitral award directing SpiceJet and its promoter Ajay Singh to refund ₹579 crore plus interest to media baron Kalanithi Maran.

Shibu Soren vs. Lokpal Case

Stayed proceedings initiated by the Lokpal against Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren, following a corruption complaint by BJP leader Nishikant Dubey.

Noida Tax Exemption Case

A division bench headed by Justice Varma set aside a Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) order that denied tax exemption to Noida on its earnings from loans extended to various entities.

Congress Tax Reassessment Case

Rejected Congress’ plea challenging the initiation of tax reassessment proceedings against the party for four financial years.

National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) Case

A division bench led by him dismissed a challenge to the NFRA’s authority to investigate and penalize chartered accountants for professional misconduct.

Judge Cash Scandal Row | What Happened So Far 

Huge controversy erupted after unaccounted cash was found at Justice Yashwant Varma's Delhi residence while the High Court was on its Holi break. The money was reportedly found by firefighters who had been called to extinguish a blaze.

In response, the Supreme Court Collegium decided to transfer Justice Varma back to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court. Reports claimed that Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna viewed the matter seriously, prompting the Collegium to take action to safeguard the judiciary’s reputation.

As of now, Justice Varma has not made any statements regarding the incident and did not preside over court proceedings today.

His court officials, when contacted by a leading news agency, stated that the judge is currently "on leave."