Will the SC Address Key Petitions in Justice Varma's Cash Controversy?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court is gearing up to address crucial petitions concerning Justice Yashwant Varma's cash-discovery scandal, raising questions about judicial integrity and accountability. With an impeachment motion in the Lok Sabha, the stakes have never been higher for Justice Varma as the court deliberates on the implications of the findings from an in-house inquiry.
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court will consider two significant petitions regarding Justice Varma.
- Justice Varma challenges the findings of an in-house inquiry committee.
- The committee recommended impeachment under Article 124(4) of the Constitution.
- Allegations of cash discovery have sparked serious concerns about judicial integrity.
- Advocate Nedumpara is pushing for an FIR with the Delhi Police.
New Delhi, July 28 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is set to deliberate on two significant petitions on Monday pertaining to the high-profile cash-discovery incident involving Justice Yashwant Varma, who is currently facing an impeachment motion in the Lok Sabha.
According to the causelist available on the apex court's website, a panel led by Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih will review a petition submitted by Justice Varma himself, which contests the conclusions drawn by a three-member in-house inquiry committee established by the Supreme Court. This committee recommended his removal under Article 124(4) of the Constitution.
The writ petition filed by Justice Varma seeks to annul the communication that was sent by former Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna to the President and the then Prime Minister, advocating for action based on the committee’s recommendations.
Justice Varma contends that the in-house panel operated in a “pre-determined manner” that denied him a fair opportunity to defend himself.
The Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Datta, will also consider another petition presented by advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara and other co-petitioners. This petition requests a directive for the Delhi Police to file a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the alleged discovery of burnt cash in an outhouse at Justice Varma’s official residence during his tenure at the Delhi High Court.
Advocate Nedumpara has reiterated, for the third consecutive time, that the Union government, responsible for the Delhi Police, is mandated to ensure an FIR is registered.
Previously, the Supreme Court had declined to entertain similar requests from Nedumpara—first in March, asking for an FIR and investigation into the cash-discovery claims, and again in May, seeking Justice Varma’s criminal prosecution.
Justice Varma came under scrutiny after the March 14 discovery of burnt cash in an outhouse of his official residence in New Delhi, following a fire brigade response to extinguish a fire.
The revelation of the cash, which sent shockwaves through judicial circles, led to Justice Varma’s repatriation to the Allahabad High Court, and the initiation of an in-house inquiry into the allegations.
The inquiry committee found both direct and electronic evidence indicating that the storeroom was under the covert or active control of Justice Varma and his family.
It concluded, based on strong inferential evidence, that the burnt cash was removed from the storeroom in the early hours of March 15.
The three-member inquiry committee – comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, and Justice Anu Sivaraman of the Karnataka High Court – found the allegations serious enough to warrant impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma.
The committee determined that Justice Varma’s misconduct was proven and severe, justifying his removal under Article 124(4) of the Constitution.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach the unfolding events surrounding Justice Varma with impartiality and a focus on the rule of law. The allegations present a serious challenge to judicial credibility, and it is imperative that the Supreme Court's deliberations uphold justice and transparency while respecting the rights of all parties involved.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main petitions being considered by the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court is reviewing two petitions: one filed by Justice Yashwant Varma challenging the findings of the in-house inquiry committee and another by advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara urging the Delhi Police to register an FIR regarding the burnt cash discovery.
What prompted the impeachment motion against Justice Varma?
The impeachment motion against Justice Varma was prompted by the discovery of burnt cash in an outhouse at his official residence, which raised serious concerns about his conduct and integrity.
Who are the members of the inquiry committee?
The inquiry committee consists of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, and Justice Anu Sivaraman of the Karnataka High Court.
What does Article 124(4) of the Constitution entail?
Article 124(4) of the Constitution provides the grounds for the removal of a judge of the Supreme Court or High Court on the grounds of proven misbehavior or incapacity.
What has been the response of the Supreme Court to previous requests for an FIR?
The Supreme Court previously declined to entertain similar requests for an FIR and investigations related to the cash-discovery allegations made by advocate Nedumpara in March and May.
