The scandal surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma has deepened with the Supreme Court-appointed committee’s report confirming several serious findings related to the discovery of a large stash of unaccounted cash at his residence earlier this year.
Key Revelations from the Report
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Exclusive Access to the Storeroom:
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The committee conclusively established that only Justice Varma and his family members had access to the storeroom where the huge stack of cash was recovered in March 2025.
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This contradicts Varma’s earlier claims that the room was accessible to others, including outsiders.
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Discovery of Cash and Circumstances:
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The cash, described as piled up 1.5 feet high, was found scattered across the room, from the door to the opposite wall.
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A witness account described half-burnt currency lying on the floor and on ledges, raising questions about an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.
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Involvement of Domestic Staff:
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Varma’s trusted domestic staff played a direct role in the removal of burnt cash from the storeroom on March 15, suggesting a cover-up attempt.
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Their involvement appears to have been at the behest or knowledge of the family, according to the report.
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Location and Fire Hazard:
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The incident occurred at Varma’s residence at 30, Tughlak Crescent, New Delhi.
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A liquor cabinet located dangerously close to an electrical switch box was also documented by the committee.
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The presence of volatile substances like alcohol reportedly aggravated the fire, which may have been started to destroy the cash.
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Basis for Impeachment:
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The committee concluded that the serious misconduct involving unaccounted cash and suspected tampering of evidence is grave enough to warrant impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma.
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It now falls on Parliament to consider the findings and initiate constitutional action.
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Justice Varma’s Stand
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Justice Yashwant Varma has denied all charges, claiming the room was not under his exclusive control and that the allegations are politically or personally motivated.
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The new findings significantly undermine his defense, especially given the controlled access to the room and involvement of his close staff.
Broader Implications
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This case has become one of the most serious judicial scandals in recent times, raising questions about accountability within the higher judiciary.
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It could prompt the judiciary and government to revisit mechanisms for judicial oversight, ethics, and transparency.
What’s Next?
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The ball is now in the court of Parliament, which has the constitutional authority to initiate impeachment proceedings under Article 124(4).
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A motion must be supported by at least 100 Lok Sabha or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs to move forward.
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Meanwhile, public pressure and legal scrutiny are expected to intensify as more details emerge.
This incident is likely to spark significant debate about the credibility of judicial institutions, the integrity of judges, and the need for stronger oversight frameworks.
