Harish Salve: A False Cash Claim Would Be a Tragedy
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Synopsis
Harish Salve, former Solicitor General, spoke on the tragedy of false cash allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, stating it tarnishes the image of a respected judge. He advocates for an inquiry and emphasizes the impact on public trust in the judiciary.
Key Takeaways
- Harish Salve expresses concern over cash allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma.
- He calls for an inquiry to clarify the situation.
- Salve emphasizes the importance of preserving judicial integrity.
- He highlights the potential damage to public trust in the judiciary.
- Salve has deep admiration for Justice Varma's professional reputation.
New Delhi, March 21 (NationPress) Former Solicitor General of India and esteemed advocate Harish Salve stated on Friday that it would be a tragedy if the claims regarding the supposed recovery of cash from a Delhi High Court judge's residence were proven to be untrue.
“What a tragedy. If these allegations are unfounded, then the esteemed image of a fine judge would be irreparably damaged,” Salve remarked, referring to Justice Yashwant Varma, who is at the heart of the ‘cash at home’ scandal, as a professional he deeply respects.
“Justice Varma is among the most senior judges. He is a judge I have long looked up to. I was heartbroken upon reading this report,” he expressed during an interview with IANS.
Salve highlighted that the Delhi fire chief Atul Garg has confirmed that no cash was retrieved by firemen from the judge's residence following a fire incident on March 14. He described the situation as “odd and murky.”
Salve, recognizing Justice Varma as a true professional, stated, “The only way forward now is to suspend his transfer and initiate an inquiry.”
When asked if Justice Varma should continue to preside over court proceedings while the inquiry is ongoing, he replied, “I am confident he will take a brief leave, and subsequently, the Supreme Court should mandate an investigation into whether any money was taken from his home.”
He proposed that a three-member inquiry panel should consist of a judge and two additional members.
Describing this as the most egregious allegation against the judiciary he has encountered in his 45 years in the legal field, Salve stated, “I cannot recall ever hearing such a dreadful story of cash being found at a high court judge's residence.”
“Allow me to emphasize that Justice Varma is among the most senior judges. He is a judge I have always revered. The news deeply saddened me. If this undermines my trust in the judiciary, it certainly shakes the faith of the average citizen in the judicial system,” he concluded.
