Supreme Court's Decision on Burnt Cash Discovery Sparks Debate

The Supreme Court refused urgent listing of a plea regarding the discovery of burnt cash at Justice Yashwant Varma's residence. The plea seeks an FIR against the judge, challenged due to protective rules for judiciary. An inquiry is underway amid controversial allegations.

The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, denied an urgent hearing for a plea filed to compel Delhi Police to register an FIR regarding the alleged discovery of burnt cash at the official residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma. The appeal for urgent registration was dismissed by a bench led by Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, though the petition will be filed by the court registry. The discovery has sparked significant controversy within the legal community.

Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara emphasized the necessity of filing an FIR, expressing discontent over the special treatment believed to be afforded to judiciary members. Comparisons were made to how similar allegations against ordinary citizens might prompt swift investigations by agencies like the CBI and ED. The Chief Justice refuted public commentary during a sensitive ongoing investigation, stating the matter would follow due process.

Amidst controversy and claims that have been publicly refuted by Justice Varma, the Delhi Police, under direction of the Supreme Court's in-house committee, visited Varma's residence for further inquiries. The alleged incident, initially reported by the Delhi Fire Services as finding no cash during a fire-related inspection, remains under investigation in coordination with newly appointed Supreme Court inquiry members.

(With inputs from agencies.)