Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has given Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma 48 hours to respond to a three-judge panel’s findings confirming cash at his residence, according to a confidential report submitted May 4.
The panel, formed March 22, includes Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia, and Karnataka High Court Judge Justice Anu Sivaraman.
It investigated a March 14 fire at Varma’s residence at 30 Tughlaq Crescent, where partially burnt currency notes were found in a storeroom sack.
The panel’s report contradicts Varma’s denial of cash and his claim of a conspiracy.
The investigation involved interviews with Varma’s staff, high court personnel, CPWD officials, Delhi Fire Service, the Delhi Police Commissioner, and others.
Varma was questioned at least once.
On May 4, Khanna sent Varma the report, emphasizing the findings’ severity and requesting a response.
The fire, reported by Varma’s secretary during his absence for the Holi break, led to the discovery of burnt notes, with video evidence sent to senior police.
Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, informed on March 16, confronted Varma, who called the evidence conspiratorial.
Upadhyay shared the findings with Khanna on March 20, prompting the panel’s formation.
Khanna sought Varma’s explanation on three points: the cash’s presence, its source, and who removed burnt money on March 15.
Varma denied the storeroom was locked, claimed it stored furniture and equipment, and called storing cash there “preposterous.”
He also denied any cash removal.
On March 24, the Supreme Court Collegium, including Khanna and Justices Bhushan R. Gavai and Surya Kant, transferred Varma to the Allahabad High Court, where he took oath April 5.
He has not been assigned judicial work since March 20.
With Khanna retiring May 13, Varma’s response will determine next steps.
Varma may request a meeting with Khanna or the collegium, subject to Khanna’s discretion. Removal under Article 217 requires presidential action on Khanna’s recommendation.
Varma could also resign or retire voluntarily.
