Lexpedia · 23 March 2025 · 2 min read
Discovery of Unaccounted Cash at Justice Yashwant Varma’s Residence
A shocking incident involving the recovery of a large amount of unaccounted cash from the official residence of Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, has captured the attention of the nation. The matter was raised today in the Rajya Sabha by Jairam Ramesh, Member of Parliament from the Indian National Congress (INC), during the morning session.
Jairam Ramesh Calls for Judicial Accountability
Ramesh referred to the discovery as a "shocking case" and emphasized the urgent need for judicial accountability. He specifically urged Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar to take immediate action to address this issue. Ramesh also reminded the Chairman about the notice of impeachment sent by 50 MPs in December against Justice Shekhar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court over his controversial remarks at a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) event.
Ramesh requested the Chairman to press the Government for stronger steps to ensure judicial accountability, particularly in the appointment and monitoring of judges. He emphasized that judicial accountability must be a priority.
Chairman's Response: Action Already Taken
In his response, Chairman Dhankhar acknowledged the seriousness of the matter and assured the House that he had taken all procedural steps to verify the issue. He stated that he had communicated with the 55 members who submitted the representation, and most had responded positively, ensuring the matter would not be delayed on his part.
He also pointed out that the delay in bringing the issue to light was concerning, stating that if such incidents involved politicians, they would have been immediately exposed. Dhankhar assured that he would work with the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition to find a structured and transparent response to the issue.
Supreme Court Initiates In-House Enquiry
In response to the allegations, the Supreme Court has initiated an in-house enquiry against Justice Yashwant Varma. The enquiry will assess the circumstances surrounding the alleged recovery of the cash. Meanwhile, the judge has been recommended for transfer to the Allahabad High Court pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Growing Calls for Strengthening Judicial Accountability
This incident has reignited discussions on the need for stronger judicial accountability in India, particularly in terms of transparency in the appointment of judges and handling allegations against them. As political and legal leaders call for more stringent mechanisms, the future of judicial reforms remains a critical topic of debate.
