Judge Burning Cash Scandal: CJI Sanjiv Khanna's 5 Directives to Justice Yashwant Varma

New Delhi: Amid growing controversy over the recovery of a huge stash of cash from Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma’s residence, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has issued five strict directives. The move follows a report by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, which details the recovery of the cash and its burning.

Key Directives Issued by CJI Sanjiv Khanna

After examining the report, CJI Khanna ordered Justice Varma to submit a written response by 12:00 p.m. on March 22, 2025. Additionally, he directed the authorities to investigate critical aspects of the case. The following are the five key directives issued:

CJI Asks for Written Explanation 

The CJI has asked Justice Varma to provide a clear and detailed explanation of source and purpose of the money found inside a room at his residence. The judge must account for how such a large sum of cash ended up in his home.

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

Identity of the Person Who Removed the Burnt Cash 

Authorities have been instructed to find out who removed the burnt currency from the judge’s residence on the morning of March 15, 2025. 

Identification of Security and Staff Personnel  

The Supreme Court has also ordered the identification of all security personnel, personal assistants, and High Court staff who have been posted at Justice Varma’s home in the past six months. 

Examination of Call Records  

A directive has been issued to mobile service providers to retrieve Justice Varma’s call records for the last six months. 

The Supreme Court has strictly instructed Justice Varma to preserve all digital data on his mobile phones. He has been specifically told not to delete, modify, or tamper with any messages, call logs, or conversations. 

What Happens Next?  

Justice Varma is required to submit his official response to the Supreme Court by March 22, 2025. Based on his explanation and the findings from the ongoing investigation, further legal and disciplinary actions could follow.  

Judge Cash Burning Scandal: How It All Started

A large amount of unaccounted cash was found following a fire at Justice Yashwant Verma’s residence on March 14. At the time of the incident, Justice Verma and his wife were in Bhopal, while their daughter and household staff alerted the fire department.

Upon arrival, firefighters and police uncovered a stash of cash hidden in his outhouse.

Once the fire was extinguished, bundles of cash were officially documented, and the police were immediately informed.