Justice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Controversy Over Investigative Procedures
Resignation Submitted to the President
Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing strong objections to the investigative processes concerning allegations of unaccounted cash found at his official residence.
In a letter addressed to Supreme Court Justice Aravind Kumar, the head of the inquiry committee, Justice Varma criticized the committee’s methods and asserted that he was being asked to respond to baseless charges regarding the source of the money discovered.
Details of the Allegations
The controversy stems from a fire incident that occurred at Justice Varma’s residence in central Delhi on the night of March 14-15 last year. Videos taken by first responders have become pivotal to the inquiry, showcasing the recovery of the burnt cash and the conduct of individuals present during the incident.
During cross-examinations, testimonies detailed the situation surrounding the cash discovery, which adversely affected Justice Varma’s standing in the inquiry.
Professional Connections and Prior Inquiry
Justice Varma was previously viewed as an ally of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who served as Chief Justice of India from November 2022 until November 2024. An earlier Supreme Court ruling in March 2024 dismissed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR and an Enforcement Directorate inquiry against him, relating to his previous role as a non-executive director of Simbhaoli Sugar Ltd. in a bank loan fraud case.
Justice Varma’s letter indicated dissatisfaction with the inquiry committee’s shifting of the burden of proof to him, which he claimed undermined his position and the principles of justice.
Challenge to Inquiry Procedures
Justice Varma asserted that evidence presented by the inquiry committee, established under former Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, was insufficient for any formal proceedings against him. He expressed concern that the inquiry report lacked credibility and should not influence future actions.
A challenge to the inquiry proceedings, including the committee’s report and recommendations for his removal, was dismissed by a Supreme Court bench featuring Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih last August.
Justice Varma’s Defense
In his resignation communication, Justice Varma contended that the storeroom where the burnt cash was reportedly found was never officially seized by law enforcement. He emphasized that the responsibilities for such premises could not justly fall on a judge, especially in an official residence shared with domestic staff.
He remarked that it would be unreasonable for any occupant to keep track of all items within a complex that includes numerous aides and staff quarters, leaving the question of accountability open to interpretation.
Final Remarks on Allegations
Justice Varma has described the allegations against him as unfounded, stating there was a lack of substantive evidence to support the claims. He criticized the investigative process as unconventional and emphasized the reversal of the burden of proof without establishing a solid case against him.
Expressing disappointment over the nature of the proceedings, which could have significant implications for his career, he highlighted the failure of the committee to intervene amid unsettling developments throughout the inquiry.
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Contents
Resignation Submitted to the PresidentJustice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has submitted his resignation to President Droupadi Murmu, expressing strong objections to the investigative processes concerning allegations of unaccounted cash found at his official residence.In a letter addressed to Supreme Court Justice Aravind Kumar, the head of the inquiry committee, Justice Varma criticized the committee’s methods and asserted that he was being asked to respond to baseless charges regarding the source of the money discovered.Details of the AllegationsThe controversy stems from a fire incident that occurred at Justice Varma’s residence in central Delhi on the night of March 14-15 last year. Videos taken by first responders have become pivotal to the inquiry, showcasing the recovery of the burnt cash and the conduct of individuals present during the incident.During cross-examinations, testimonies detailed the situation surrounding the cash discovery, which adversely affected Justice Varma’s standing in the inquiry.Professional Connections and Prior InquiryJustice Varma was previously viewed as an ally of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who served as Chief Justice of India from November 2022 until November 2024. An earlier Supreme Court ruling in March 2024 dismissed a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) FIR and an Enforcement Directorate inquiry against him, relating to his previous role as a non-executive director of Simbhaoli Sugar Ltd. in a bank loan fraud case.Justice Varma’s letter indicated dissatisfaction with the inquiry committee’s shifting of the burden of proof to him, which he claimed undermined his position and the principles of justice.Challenge to Inquiry ProceduresJustice Varma asserted that evidence presented by the inquiry committee, established under former Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, was insufficient for any formal proceedings against him. He expressed concern that the inquiry report lacked credibility and should not influence future actions.A challenge to the inquiry proceedings, including the committee’s report and recommendations for his removal, was dismissed by a Supreme Court bench featuring Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih last August.Justice Varma’s DefenseIn his resignation communication, Justice Varma contended that the storeroom where the burnt cash was reportedly found was never officially seized by law enforcement. He emphasized that the responsibilities for such premises could not justly fall on a judge, especially in an official residence shared with domestic staff.He remarked that it would be unreasonable for any occupant to keep track of all items within a complex that includes numerous aides and staff quarters, leaving the question of accountability open to interpretation.Final Remarks on AllegationsJustice Varma has described the allegations against him as unfounded, stating there was a lack of substantive evidence to support the claims. He criticized the investigative process as unconventional and emphasized the reversal of the burden of proof without establishing a solid case against him.Expressing disappointment over the nature of the proceedings, which could have significant implications for his career, he highlighted the failure of the committee to intervene amid unsettling developments throughout the inquiry.
