Justice Varma Denies Allegations of Stashed Cash, Claims No Evidence of Impropriety
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Justice Yashwant Varma, a judge facing impeachment proceedings, has disputed allegations of unaccounted cash found at his official residence in Delhi last year. In a response to a Lok Sabha inquiry panel, Varma stated that there was no prima facie evidence to establish the recovery or seizure of any currency. He emphasized that no cash was recovered from his residence during or after a fire in March 2025, while he was away in Madhya Pradesh. Varma's response, submitted on January 12, highlighted the lack of contemporaneous records or memos documenting the alleged discovery of currency. He also underlined that the site was not secured or cordoned off before the fire, and that there was no evidence to establish the condition of the room when police personnel exited. The judge further pointed out that the outhouse where the alleged cash was discovered is adjacent to CRPF barracks and staff quarters, and is separated from his residential area by a boundary wall. Varma also noted that the entire premises, including the entry to the storeroom, were under constant CCTV surveillance by CRPF personnel, but no footage was brought to his knowledge to support the allegations. The impeachment proceedings against Varma arise from the alleged discovery of wads of currency notes at his official residence following a fire in March 2025. A Supreme Court in-house inquiry panel previously found his explanation unsatisfactory, prompting the Chief Justice of India to recommend action to the Prime Minister and the President. Motions seeking Varma's removal were moved in both Houses of Parliament in July, and a three-member inquiry committee has been constituted under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. Meanwhile, a core legal issue remains under scrutiny before the Supreme Court, with the court reserving its judgment on Varma's petition challenging the Lok Sabha speaker's decision to admit the motion and constitute the inquiry committee. Varma has been asked to appear before the panel on January 24.
