Saturday, March 29, 2025
New Delhi, August 7, 2025 —
In a major development, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition filed by Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, offering him no relief in the ongoing cash scandal case. The petition sought to declare the investigation report—regarding decayed currency notes recovered from his residence—as unconstitutional and void. The apex court also upheld the recommendation sent to the President and the Prime Minister for his removal from office.
The verdict was delivered by a bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice A.G. Masih, who categorically rejected all arguments made by Justice Varma. Below are the key points from the ruling:
The court ruled that the recommendation made by then Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna to the President and the Prime Minister was both constitutionally valid and legally sound. No procedural irregularities were found.
The bench noted that a video of burnt cash being uploaded from Justice Varma’s residential complex on the night of March 14 was not strictly essential to the case. However, since Justice Varma never objected to it earlier and fully participated in the inquiry, the evidence stood as uncontested.
The court confirmed that both the Chief Justice and the investigative committee followed proper procedures with full integrity. The process adhered to legal norms and was not biased or arbitrary.
The bench clarified that there was no breach of Justice Varma’s fundamental rights during the course of the inquiry. Due process was observed throughout.
In a stern observation, the court stated that Justice Varma’s conduct failed to inspire confidence, thereby justifying the recommendation for his dismissal.
In a parallel ruling, the court also rejected a separate petition filed by an advocate seeking an FIR to be lodged in the case, further closing avenues of legal relief for Justice Varma.
The Supreme Court’s firm stance confirms that the judiciary is committed to internal accountability and will not tolerate any deviation from integrity within its own ranks. The investigation against Justice Yashwant Varma will now continue unhindered.
