In a significant move, Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has constituted a three-member committee to conduct an inquiry into the allegations made against Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court. This inquiry follows the submission of a preliminary report by the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, Justice DK Upadhyay, concerning unaccounted cash allegedly discovered at Justice Varma’s official residence.
Composition of the Inquiry Committee
The inquiry committee will be led by Justice Sheel Nagu, the Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court. The other members of the committee include:
- Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh, and
- Justice Anu Sivaraman, a Judge of the High Court of Karnataka.
Temporary Relief from Judicial Duties
In response to the ongoing inquiry, Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court has temporarily relieved Justice Varma from any judicial assignments. The move ensures that Justice Varma does not engage in any judicial work while the investigation is underway. This action follows the report submitted by Justice Upadhyay after conducting a preliminary inquiry into the allegations.
Details of the Allegations
The controversy began when unaccounted cash was reportedly found at Justice Varma’s official residence. The exact amount of the cash and the context of its discovery remain part of the ongoing investigation. The relevant documents, including the report of the Delhi High Court Chief Justice, Justice Varma’s response, and other related documents, have been uploaded on the Supreme Court’s official website for public access.
Possible Transfer to Allahabad High Court
Alongside the inquiry, the Supreme Court Collegium is reviewing a proposal to transfer Justice Yashwant Varma back to his parent High Court, the Allahabad High Court. This proposal comes in light of the investigation and the potential consequences for Justice Varma’s position at the Delhi High Court.
Judicial Accountability and In-House Procedure
This case has sparked widespread discussions regarding judicial accountability and the mechanisms in place for handling complaints against judges. The in-house procedure, which is designed to maintain the independence of the judiciary, is being closely scrutinized, especially regarding whether an FIR can be registered against a sitting judge and the steps involved in such investigations.
