Delhi Judge Cash Scandal: 10 Unanswered Questions From India's Biggest Controversy To Hit Judiciary

New Delhi: As the controversy surrounding the unaccounted cash found at Justice Varma’s residence intensifies, major questions remain unanswered. Was this an orchestrated attempt to frame the judge, or does it expose a deep-rooted corruption problem within India’s judiciary? Let's dig deeper. 

1. What caused the fire?

The cause of the fire on March 14 at Justice Varma’s official residence remains unclear. Was it an accidental short circuit, an attempt to destroy evidence, or a purported effort to frame him? Two fire tenders were rushed to his residence at 11:35 PM after receiving a call about the blaze, but no official cause has been confirmed yet.

2. Who removed the burnt cash?

Once the large stash of burnt cash was found, a major question arises: Who was responsible for removing it from Justice Varma’s residence? The viral video shows firemen wading through heaps of cash, yet there are no official record exists of where the recovered money was taken.

3. Why didn’t Justice Varma file a complaint?

Justice Varma has refuted all allegations, claiming the cash found in his residence was an attempt to frame him and a part of a "conspiracy". However, if he believes he has been framed, why was no official complaint seeking an independent investigation filed?

4. Why was there no action taken until March 21?

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the Supreme Court Collegium only decided to transfer Justice Varma to his parent court—the Allahabad High Court. Why was no FIR registered, and why did it take a full week for any action to be taken?

5. Is the recovered cash linked to the Simbhaoli bank fraud?

The burning cash scam reignited Justice Varma’s past link to the 2018 Simbhaoli Sugar Mills bank fraud case. He was a non-executive director at Simbhaoli Sugars and was listed as Accused No. 10 in a Rs 97.85 crore loan fraud case involving the Oriental Bank of Commerce. Could the cash found at his residence be linked to this financial scandal?

Also Read: 'Gandhi Mein Aag Lag Rahi Hai Bhai’: What Fireman Said Seeing Burning Cash At Justice Varma's Home

6. Where is the recovery memo?

Whenever large sums of cash are recovered in an investigation, a recovery memo is issued. Why hasn’t any official documentation of the recovered cash been released? Why weren’t Justice Varma’s household staff questioned or interrogated?

7. Can Justice Varma be removed from his position?

Although the term “impeachment” is commonly used, the removal of a judge in India follows a constitutional process under Article 124 (for Supreme Court judges) and Article 218 (for High Court judges). Given the seriousness of the allegations, could Justice Varma be dismissed from his position? If found guilty, will he face removal through legal proceedings, or will he resign before formal action is taken?

8. What role will Parliament play in Justice Varma’s case?

The removal of a judge requires a motion in Parliament under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968. For such a motion to be initiated, at least 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs must sign a notice and submit it to the Speaker or Chairman. Will lawmakers take up this issue, or will it be left to the judiciary’s internal committee to decide Justice Varma’s fate?

9. What are the next steps in the probe?

Currently, a three-member inquiry panel appointed by the Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna is investigating the matter. However, further action could include a CBI or Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe, scrutiny of property records and financial assets, and potential removal from office if Justice Varma is found guilty.

10. Will this controversy impact public faith in the judiciary?

Senior Advocate KK Manan has alleged that 90 per cent of judges in lower courts are corrupt. Does this case indicate a larger pattern of financial misconduct within the judiciary? Will this controversy shake public faith in the judicial system, or will it be forgotten like past scandals?