Delhi High Court Chief Justice's 25-Page Inquiry Report In Justice Yashwant Varma Cash Controversy: Key Findings

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has released a 25-page inquiry report on the alleged discovery of a massive stash of cash at the residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The report, which includes photos and videos, has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious questions about judicial integrity. The report, furnished by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, has shed light on the controversy surrounding Justice Varma's alleged involvement in the cash scandal.

According to the report, Justice Varma has vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged cash scandal. "No cash was ever placed in the storeroom of the house 'either by me or any of my family members'," he said. He has also claimed that the room where the cash was allegedly found was an outhouse and not the main building where the judge and family reside. Justice Varma has denounced the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to him, calling it "totally preposterous". 

As per the report, Justice Varma further added, "The very idea or suggestion that this cash was kept or stored by us is totally preposterous." However, the report revealed that four to five semi-burnt stacks of Indian currency were found in the storeroom, contradicting Justice Varma's claims.

Justice Yashwant Varma's Response

Justice Yashwant Varma has responded to the allegations of unaccounted cash being found at his residence, vehemently denying any wrongdoing. In his response, Justice Varma said that the room where the cash was allegedly found was an outhouse, separate from the main building where he and his family reside.

He stated, "I state unequivocally that no cash was ever placed in that storeroom either by me or any of my family members and strongly denounce the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to us. The very idea or suggestion that this cash was kept or stored by us is totally preposterous. The suggestion that one would store cash in an open, freely accessible and commonly used storeroom near the staff quarters or in an outhouse verges on the incredible and incredulous. It is a room which is completely disassociated from my living areas and a boundary wall demarcates my living area from that outhouse. I only wish that the media had conducted some enquiry before I came to be indicted and defamed in the press."

Also Read | Video Of Sacks Of Cash Being Burnt At Justice Varma's House Out After Media Pressure

Deeper Probe Warranted

Meanwhile, the inquiry report, submitted by Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya, recommended a deeper probe into the matter. "On examining the incident reported, the material available, and the response of Justice Yashwant Varma, what I find is that the Commissioner of Police in his report dated 16.3.2025 has reported that as per the guard posted at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma, the debris and other partially burnt articles were removed from the room where the fire had broken out in the morning of 15.3.2025," Justice Upadhyaya said. 

"The enquiry conducted by me, prima facie, does not reveal the possibility of entry or access to the room by any person other than those residing in the bungalow, the servants, the gardeners, and CPWD personnel, if any. Accordingly, I am of the prima facie opinion that the entire matter warrants a deeper probe," he added.

In-House Inquiry Committee Constituted

The Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has constituted a three-member in-house inquiry committee to examine the allegations against Justice Varma. The committee comprises Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice GS Sandhawalia, and Justice Anu Sivaraman. The committee's findings will be crucial in determining the course of action against Justice Varma.

The Supreme Court Collegium had initially decided to repatriate Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court, his parent High Court. However, at a full court meeting of all Supreme Court judges, it was suggested that a punitive transfer would not be enough and some concrete action has to be taken against the judge. The full court then unanimously agreed to an in-house probe, with the transfer as the first step. The Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court has been asked not to assign any judicial work to Justice Varma for the time being.

As the investigation progresses, the judiciary's reputation is at stake. The Supreme Court's decision to release the probe report and constitute an in-house inquiry committee is a step in the right direction. However, the outcome of the investigation and the subsequent action taken against Justice Varma will be crucial in restoring the public's faith in the judiciary.

Also Read | SUPREME COURT ACCEPTS CORRUPTION: 5 Sacks of Cash in Justice Varma’s House, 25 Page report Stuns

Blow To Judicial Integrity

The cash scandal has dealt a severe blow to the judiciary's reputation, with many questioning the integrity of the judiciary. "This is a wake-up call for the judiciary to take a hard look at itself," said a legal expert. "The judiciary is the backbone of our democracy, and it is essential that judges are held to the highest standards of integrity."

The Supreme Court's decision to release the inquiry report has sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for Justice Varma's resignation. The Delhi High Court has also initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. 

The incident has sparked a wider debate about the integrity of the judiciary and the need for greater transparency and accountability. As the investigation report surfaces, people are calling for the necessity for the judiciary to take concrete steps to address the allegations and restore the public's faith in the institution.