Judicial Unrest: Inquiry Exposes Scandal in Justice Yashwant Varma’s Transfer

A leaked inquiry report reveals contradictions in testimonies about a fire and burnt currency at Justice Yashwant Varma's residence. The internal inquiry criticizes lapses in communication and questions judicial accountability, potentially leading to his removal from the judiciary. The report triggers widespread criticism and demands for judicial transparency.

A confidential judicial inquiry report has been leaked, unveiling glaring contradictions between domestic staff testimonies and independent witness accounts regarding a fire and alleged burning of currency notes at Justice Yashwant Varma's government residence. This revelation comes as Varma, a former Delhi High Court judge, was transferred to the Allahabad High Court.

The report, submitted to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on May 4, 2025, by a panel including Justices Sheel Nagu, GS Sandhawalia, and Anu Sivaraman, questions judicial transparency and accountability. Forensic evidence revealed burnt cash was removed secretly from Varma's official residence in New Delhi before the incident became public.

The inquiry noted a pattern of uniformly exculpatory statements from Varma's staff, considered unreliable compared to credible accounts from fire department and law enforcement personnel who confirmed the presence of burnt currency. The report highlights suspicious communication gaps with sensitive exchanges conducted on encrypted messaging platforms.

(With inputs from agencies.)