New Delhi, Aug 12: A three-member inquiry committee constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has concluded that the charges against Justice Yashwant Varma over the discovery of burnt currency at his official residence are proved, according to its report tabled in Parliament on Wednesday.The committee said Justice Varma failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the presence, source and ownership of the cash reportedly found in a storeroom of his residence.
The panel also raised concerns over the handling of material evidence at the site, observing that it was not adequately secured or preserved before the storeroom was lawfully sealed and examined.In its assessment of Justice Varma’s response, the committee said his explanation did not meet the standards of openness and institutional responsibility expected from a judge.
It found the explanation inadequate when considered alongside statements from independent officials and other corroborative evidence.The inquiry panel, headed by Supreme Court Justice Aravind Kumar, included Bombay High Court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and senior advocate B V Acharya.
The committee’s report, submitted in two volumes, contains oral and documentary evidence collected during the inquiry. The panel had submitted its findings to the Lok Sabha Speaker in May.The controversy dates back to March 14, 2025, when a fire broke out at the official residence of Justice Varma, who was then serving on the Delhi High Court. Firefighters responding to the incident reportedly discovered a substantial quantity of burnt currency in a storeroom.
The discovery subsequently triggered demands for an investigation and removal proceedings. More than 200 MPs later supported a motion seeking action against the judge.An earlier in-house inquiry had also examined the circumstances surrounding the cash discovery and reportedly concluded that Justice Varma had active or tacit control over the storeroom.Justice Varma was subsequently moved back to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court, amid the controversy.
He has since resigned from judicial office.The report noted that his resignation could make the parliamentary removal proceedings effectively redundant. However, the resignation has not yet been formally notified by the Union Law Ministry, according to the information presented in Parliament.
The development comes against the backdrop of continuing debate over judicial accountability and the standards of conduct expected from members of the higher judiciary.The committee’s findings are part of the parliamentary process concerning allegations against Justice Varma and should be distinguished from a criminal court conviction.
