SC Rejects FIR Request Against Justice Yashwant Varma
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an FIR against Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma over a large cash pile allegedly found at his residence.
The court stated that the petition was premature as an internal investigation is ongoing.
“We cannot interfere at this stage. If the in-house inquiry finds him guilty, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) may recommend registering an FIR or his removal,” the bench ruled.
Allegations and Discovery of Cash
The controversy began on March 14, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s Lutyens’ Delhi residence. During the firefighting efforts, responders allegedly discovered large stacks of cash in an outhouse.
Senior officials informed the CJI on March 15, who directed the Delhi High Court Chief Justice to submit a detailed report on the incident.
Justice Varma Denies Allegations
Justice Varma strongly refuted the claims, calling them baseless and preposterous. In a letter to Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, he wrote:
“I unequivocally state that neither I nor my family placed any cash in that storeroom. I strongly denounce any suggestion that the alleged cash belongs to us.”
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court upheld due process, ensuring that any decision regarding an FIR would follow the outcome of the internal probe.
Final Verdict
The Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces the importance of thorough investigations before legal action. As the inquiry progresses, further developments are expected.
