New Delhi: A three-member inquiry committee constituted by the Lok Sabha has found Justice Yashwant Varma guilty on all three articles of charge in connection with the discovery of unaccounted currency at his official residence. The inquiry report, tabled in both Houses of Parliament on Wednesday, concluded that every article of charge stands fully proved, establishing judicial misconduct and failure to preserve evidence following a fire at the judge’s residence last year.
The panel reported under Article I that substantial unexplained ₹500 currency notes were recovered from the storeroom of Justice Varma’s official premises at 30, Tughlak Crescent, New Delhi. The committee noted that the judge failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the source, presence, or ownership of the money. Under Article II, the panel held the judge accountable for failing to preserve material evidence, observing that the storeroom had been disturbed prior to official sealing and inspection, leading to an unexplained loss of currency notes. The report clarified that this finding was based on his acquiescence and failure to safeguard the premises rather than proof of personal removal.
Addressing the judge’s written submissions under Article III, the inquiry committee criticized his explanations as evasive and unsatisfactory. The report stated that Justice Varma’s replies lacked the candour, transparency, and institutional responsibility expected of a high court judge when measured against independent official witness testimonies and physical evidence.
The controversy dates back to March 14, 2025, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s Delhi residence, during which responding firefighters discovered burnt currency notes in a storeroom. Following the incident, Justice Varma, who was serving on the Delhi High Court, was repatriated to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court, before resigning from his judicial post. While his resignation renders formal removal proceedings in Parliament virtually infructuous, the report has been submitted alongside official exhibits for further legal action.
