Supreme Court to Hear Plea Seeking FIR Against Justice Yashwant Varma in Cash Controversy

The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea on March 28, 2025, seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, in connection with the recent cash controversy.

Bench Hearing the Plea

The case will be heard by a two-judge bench comprising:

• Justice Abhay S. Oka
• Justice Ujjal Bhuyan

Details of the Plea

The petition has been filed by Advocate Mathews Nedumpara. The plea argues that rather than merely transferring Justice Varma, criminal charges should be initiated against him if wrongdoing is found. It also challenges the validity of a 1991 Supreme Court judgment in the K. Veeraswami case, which ruled that no criminal proceedings could be initiated against a sitting judge of the High Court or Supreme Court without prior approval from the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Background of the Controversy

The controversy arose following a fire at Justice Varma's residence on the evening of March 14, 2025. The fire incident inadvertently led to the discovery of unaccounted cash at his home. However, Justice Varma and his wife were not present in Delhi at the time. Only his daughter and aged mother were at home when the fire broke out.

Following the incident, allegations of corruption surfaced against Justice Varma. He has denied all accusations and claimed that the situation appears to be a conspiracy to frame him.

Judicial Response and Investigation

In response to the allegations, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud initiated an in-house probe. On March 22, 2025, a three-member committee was constituted to investigate the matter.

Key Developments in the Investigation

• A video of the recovery of burnt cash was shared by the Delhi Police Commissioner with the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
• The Supreme Court made the video public by sharing it on its official website.
• The Delhi High Court Chief Justice submitted a report on the incident, which was also published on the Supreme Court’s website along with Justice Varma’s response.

Decision of the Supreme Court Collegium

On March 24, 2025, the Supreme Court Collegium decided to repatriate Justice Yashwant Varma to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court.

The Supreme Court’s hearing on March 28 will determine whether criminal proceedings should be initiated against Justice Varma in light of the allegations.