Burning Cash Scam: 'Many Judges Are Corrupt,' Senior Advocate KK Manan’s Explosive Claim

New Delhi: In an exclusive conversation with Republic Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami , Senior Advocate KK Manan made a shocking revelation, alleging that many judges in the lower courts are corrupt.

Speaking about the viral video showing heaps of burnt cash recovered from Justice Yashwant Varma’s official residence, Manan also addressed the Oudh Bar Association’s opposition to Justice Varma's Transfer and their call for a boycott.

The senior advocate confirmed that the Supreme Court of India has set up a three-member committee to investigate the matter internally. However, he pointed out that several critical questions remain unanswered.

Unanswered Questions in the Investigation

Manan questioned the delay in action, asking: “What were the Chief Justice of India and the Delhi High Court doing until March 21, when this information was made public, even though the incident occurred on March 14?”

He emphasized that the case could have been investigated within 24 hours, but authorities have yet to take significant action.

Raising further concerns, he asked: “If there was a cash recovery, where is the recovery memo and the recovered money?”

"Why weren’t the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department informed?”, he added.

Manan stressed that the amount in question was not small, citing media reports that claim it was nearly ₹15 crore.

“No one keeps this kind of money in an open room,” he remarked.

Also Read: How Cash Was Unearthed from Judge’s Home & Supreme Court Finally Admitted So: A Timeline of Justice Yashwant’s Varma’s Case

Expressing shock, he added that judges are now questioning if Yashwant Varma was involved, who else might be?

He urged authorities to conduct a 2–3-day investigation and transfer the case to the CBI or the ED, questioning why no concrete action has been taken yet.

'90% of Lower Judiciary Judges Are Corrupt'

In an explosive claim, when asked if this was an isolated case, Manan responded: “90% of judges in the lower judiciary are corrupt.”

He further alleged that the remaining 10% who are honest are suffering and that lawyers are well aware of which judges are corrupt.

The advocate also questioned whether the law only applies to the poor and not the rich, demanding an investigation into the properties and assets owned by judges, as many have moved from DDA flats to posh localities after retirement.