In a startling development that has sent shockwaves through the Indian judiciary, substantial amounts of burnt currency notes were discovered at the official residence of Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, following a recent fire incident. The incident has led to an internal judicial inquiry and prompted the Delhi High Court to withdraw all judicial responsibilities assigned to him pending further investigation.
Fire Incident Uncovers Suspicious Currency
The controversy began on March 14, 2025, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s government-allotted bungalow on Tughlaq Road in New Delhi. During the firefighting operation, officials reportedly found charred bundles of ₹500 currency notes in an outhouse used as a storeroom. The discovery immediately raised concerns and triggered an in-house inquiry led by the Supreme Court.
According to the Supreme Court’s preliminary report, sacks filled with burnt currency were spotted and captured in video footage recorded by firefighters and officials during the rescue operation.
📎 Source: Times of India – Burnt pieces of ₹500 notes found near Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence
Judicial Work Withdrawn Amid Investigation
Following the emergence of these findings, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna swiftly formed a three-member in-house committee to investigate the matter. The committee comprises the Chief Justices of the Punjab & Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka High Courts.
In response, the Delhi High Court has officially withdrawn all judicial work from Justice Varma, who was previously scheduled to hear cases on March 17 and beyond. This step has been taken to maintain transparency and uphold public trust in the judiciary during the investigation.
📎 Source: NDTV – Delhi High Court withdraws judicial work from Justice Yashwant Varma
Justice Varma Responds: “A Conspiracy to Malign Me”
Justice Yashwant Varma has strongly denied any involvement or knowledge of the cash found at his residence. In a letter addressed to Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, he expressed his shock and categorically rejected all allegations.
“I state unequivocally that no cash was ever placed in that storeroom either by me or any of my family members and strongly denounce the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to us,” he wrote.
Justice Varma described the entire episode as a “conspiracy to frame and malign” his reputation and called for a fair and impartial investigation.
📎 Source: Indian Express – Justice Varma calls it a conspiracy, denies allegations
Visual Evidence Raises Further Questions
The Supreme Court’s report included video footage and photographs showing charred bundles of ₹500 notes stacked in sacks in the outhouse area. The source and purpose of the cash are now central to the ongoing inquiry.
Public interest in the case surged after visuals of the burnt cash were circulated widely across social media and news outlets, with many questioning the transparency and conduct within the judiciary.
📺 Watch the video: Sacks of Cash Found at Justice Varma’s Residence
Broader Implications for Judicial Integrity
This incident has sparked a nationwide debate on judicial transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity. Legal experts and watchdog groups have stressed the importance of impartial investigation and stringent ethical standards, especially for individuals holding high public office.
If the allegations are proven, the consequences could include disciplinary proceedings, reputational damage, and potential criminal investigation, although no formal charges have been filed yet.
Conclusion
As the judicial committee continues its investigation, the legal fraternity and the public await clarity on this matter that threatens to cast a shadow on the credibility of one of India’s highest courts. The outcome will be critical not only for Justice Yashwant Varma but also for restoring public confidence in the judicial system.
