SC to Convey CJI’s Decision on Inquiry Panel Report for Justice Yashwant Varma

Quick Summary

• The Supreme Court announced that Chief justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna would issue a dialog regarding actions based on a confidential report presented by an inquiry committee investigating allegations against former Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma.
• The committee was formed after half-burnt currency notes were discovered at justice Varma’s official residence post-fire on March 14, 2025.
• the three-member panel investigated forensic evidence, data records, and witness accounts and allowed Justice Varma to respond to the allegations as part of natural justice.
• Key questions addressed by the panel included the accounting for money found, its source, and details about removal after the fire.
• Chief Justice Khanna has forwarded the inquiry report dated May 3, 2025, to Justice Varma for his response. Media confirms cash presence at his residence.
• Possible next steps include advising voluntary resignation or retirement if findings are substantiated; otherwise initiating formal removal proceedings through communication with the President and Prime Minister if voluntary action is not taken.
• A precedent from a 1991 judgment allows criminal proceedings against judges under consultation via CJI.

Indian opinion Analysis

This ongoing investigation highlights critical concerns over judicial ethics and accountability in India.Allegations involving a sitting judge underscore challenges in upholding public trust in institutions of justice. By adhering to principles of natural justice through neutral inquiries and structured frameworks established by constitutional precedents (e.g.,K. Veeraswami case), the judiciary ensures robust checks while safeguarding procedural fairness.The next steps-depending on responses from both parties-will likely set an important benchmark for handling such cases in future contexts.Read more