Lok Sabha Panel Finds Justice Varma Guilty in Cash-at-Home Case

A Lok Sabha inquiry committee has determined that Justice Yashwant Varma is guilty in a case stemming from the alleged discovery of unaccounted cash at his official residence. Removal proceedings had been initiated against the judge following this incident.

What Happened

The inquiry committee's report, presented to both houses of Parliament on Wednesday, stated that Justice Varma failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the presence, source, or ownership of a substantial amount of ₹500 denomination currency notes found in a storeroom at his official residence located at 30, Tughlaq Crescent, New Delhi. The report noted that the condition of the storeroom was altered before it could be lawfully sealed and inspected, and the subsequent non-availability of the currency notes remains unexplained. The incident initially came to light on the night of March 14 of the previous year when a fire broke out at Justice Varma's residence, leading firefighters to discover large quantities of burnt currency in the storeroom.

The committee found that the explanation provided by the judge concerning the discovery of the burnt currency did not demonstrate the expected candor, transparency, and institutional responsibility.

Key Facts

• Justice Yashwant Varma has been found guilty by a Lok Sabha inquiry committee.
• Unaccounted cash, primarily ₹500 denomination notes, was allegedly discovered in a storeroom at his official residence.
• A fire at the residence on March 14 last year led to the discovery of burnt currency.
• The inquiry panel stated Justice Varma failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the currency notes' presence, source, or ownership.
• The committee noted the storeroom's evidentiary condition was disturbed before lawful sealing and inspection.
• The report suggested further action be taken in accordance with the law.
• Justice Varma was formerly a judge of the Delhi High Court and was repatriated to the Allahabad High Court.
• He has since resigned, rendering removal proceedings largely infructuous, though his resignation has not yet been formally notified.
• The three-member probe panel submitted its findings to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in May.

Background

Justice Varma previously served as a judge of the Delhi High Court before being repatriated to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court, following the controversy. He has since resigned from his position. The resignation has not yet been officially notified by the law ministry, and the removal proceedings initiated against him are now considered largely infructuous.