The Supreme Court Collegium has proposed the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, back to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court. This decision, taken during meetings on March 20 and March 24.
However, the transfer has sparked controversy, with the Allahabad High Court Bar Association raising objections. Justice Varma is currently under scrutiny following allegations of a large stash of cash being discovered at his Delhi residence after a fire broke out on March 14. Reports suggest that firefighters found the cash while extinguishing the flames, though Justice Varma was not present at the time.
In response to the allegations, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter. The committee includes:
- Justice Sheel Nagu (Chief Justice, Punjab & Haryana High Court)
- Justice G.S. Sandhawalia (Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court)
- Justice Anu Sivaraman (Judge, Karnataka High Court)
Meanwhile, Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya has been directed not to assign any judicial work to Justice Varma until further notice.
Justice Varma has strongly denied the allegations, claiming that this is a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation. He clarified that the room where the cash was allegedly found is an outhouse, separate from his main residence.
The Supreme Court has emphasized that the transfer decision is unrelated to the ongoing controversy, aiming to maintain transparency and fairness.
