Meet Justice Yashwant Varma: Delhi HC Judge at the heart of Cash-in-Home scandal
Justice Yashwant Varma, a Delhi High Court judge, faces controversy after firefighters found unaccounted cash at his bungalow over the Holi weekend. Authorities discovered the money while responding to a fire at his residence. This incident has raised serious concerns within the judiciary.
Justice Varma joined the Delhi High Court in October 2021 after serving at the Allahabad High Court. His legal career began in August 1992 when he enrolled as an advocate there. He became an Additional Judge in October 2014 and took oath as a permanent judge in February 2016.
Born on January 6, 1969, in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), he completed his B Com (Honours) from Delhi University’s Hansraj College and earned an LL B from Rewa University in Madhya Pradesh. His legal expertise spans constitutional law, labor disputes, corporate regulations, and taxation. From 2006 until his appointment to the bench, he served as Special Counsel for the Allahabad High Court and later became the state’s Chief Standing Counsel.
After the cash discovery, the Supreme Court Collegium quickly moved to transfer Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna reportedly viewed the matter seriously and acted to protect the judiciary’s reputation. Justice Varma has not responded publicly and did not hold court today. His office confirmed he is “on leave.”
Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya acknowledged the situation’s gravity. When senior advocate Arun Bhardwaj raised concerns in court, the Chief Justice admitted feeling “shaken.” Bhardwaj urged the administration to take preventive steps, and the Chief Justice agreed that the judiciary must remain untarnished.
Meanwhile, senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal called for reforms in judicial appointments. He stressed that corruption in the judiciary is a longstanding issue that requires immediate attention. Sibal urged the Supreme Court to enhance transparency in the nomination process.
He also criticized the government’s handling of corruption. “Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s claims, corruption has increased,” Sibal said in a video statement. He emphasized the need for stricter oversight to restore faith in the legal system.
As the controversy unfolds, the judiciary faces mounting pressure to act decisively. The case highlights the urgent need for reforms to maintain trust and accountability within India’s legal framework.
