Three-judge panel formed to probe Delhi HC Justice Yashwant Varma amid 'cash at home' charge

The Chief Justice of India (CJI), Sanjiv Khanna, on Saturday (March 22) formed a three-judge panel to investigate corruption allegations against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The embattled judge came under scanner after reports surfaced that a pile of cash was discovered at his Lutyens Delhi residence during a fire at the place around 11.35 pm on March 14.

As per reports, INR 15 crore in cash was allegedly found at Justice Varma’s official residence, causing an uproar in media and social media against the judiciary.

The three-judge panel will be led by Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, and it also features Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Karnataka High Court judge Justice Anu Sivaraman.

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Meanwhile, the CJI has also directed the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court to avoid assigning any judicial work to Justice Varma until further notice.

As reports of the discovery of cash became public, CJI Khanna convened the Supreme Court Collegium and decided to transfer Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court.

Earlier, the Supreme Court said that the Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya has “commenced the in-house enquiry procedure collecting evidence and information” after the incident came to light.

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The Supreme Court also said Justice Varma’s transfer was “independent and separate from the in-house enquiry procedure”.

Who is Justice Yashwant Varma?

Justice Varma has been a Delhi High Court judge since October 2021.

Born on January 6, 1969, in Allahabad, he completed his BCom (Hons) from Hansraj College, Delhi University, and later earned his LLB from Rewa University, Madhya Pradesh.

He enrolled as an advocate in the Allahabad High Court on August 8, 1992.

He handled a wide range of cases, including those involving the constitution, labour and industrial laws, corporate law, taxation, and related legal fields.

(With inputs from agencies)