In a recent development that has garnered significant attention within judicial and public circles, Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court has formally denied allegations concerning the discovery of burnt cash in a storeroom at his official residence. The allegations surfaced following a fire incident on the night of 15 March 2025. Justice Varma addressed these claims in a detailed six-page clarification submitted to Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya.
The Incident: Fire at Justice Varma’s Residence
On the night of 15 March 2025, a fire broke out in a storeroom located within the premises of Justice Varma’s official residence. The storeroom, described as separate from the main living quarters, was reportedly left unlocked and accessible to various individuals. Following the incident, media reports emerged alleging that burnt currency notes were found at the site, raising questions about the origin and ownership of the cash.
Justice Varma’s Clarification
In his response to Chief Justice Upadhyaya, Justice Varma unequivocally denied any association with the alleged cash. He stated, “I state unequivocally that no cash was ever placed in that storeroom by me or any of my family members, and I strongly denounce the insinuation that the alleged cash belonged to us.” Justice Varma emphasized that his staff, present during the fire, did not observe any cash or currency at the site.
Preliminary Investigation and Findings
Chief Justice Upadhyaya initiated a preliminary investigation into the incident, directing his secretary to inspect the site on the night of the fire. According to Justice Varma’s clarification, this inspection did not reveal any presence of cash. Furthermore, the Delhi Fire Service Chief reportedly denied that personnel had recovered or seized any cash from the scene. Justice Varma highlighted that the storeroom had remained untouched post-inspection, with debris deemed unsalvageable but still stored within the house.
Allegations of Conspiracy
Justice Varma expressed concerns about a potential conspiracy, referencing unfounded allegations circulated on social media in December of the previous year regarding his involvement in a cheating case. He reiterated that all financial transactions conducted by him and his family are properly documented and executed exclusively through regular banking channels, including UPI applications and card payments.
Formation of an Inquiry Committee
In light of the allegations, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna constituted a three-member panel to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter. Should the committee find merit in the allegations, potential actions could include requesting Justice Varma’s resignation or forwarding the panel’s findings to Parliament for possible impeachment proceedings.
Media Criticism and Call for Responsible Reporting
Justice Varma criticized the media for what he described as inaccurate reporting, expressing disappointment over the lack of proper enquiry before implicating or defaming him. He urged for responsible journalism, emphasizing the importance of verifying facts before disseminating information that could tarnish reputations.
Conclusion
The allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma have sparked a significant controversy, prompting an official inquiry and widespread media coverage. As the investigation unfolds, the judiciary and the public await further developments to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident. Justice Varma’s emphatic denial and concerns about a possible conspiracy add complexity to the situation, underscoring the need for a meticulous and unbiased investigation.
Note: This article is based on information available as of March 24, 2025. The situation is evolving, and updates will be provided as more details emerge
