The unfolding controversy surrounding Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma has drawn national attention, particularly after the discovery of a substantial amount of cash at his official residence following a fire incident. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has emerged as a central figure in the narrative, reportedly being among the first to be informed about the discovery.
On March 14, 2025, a fire broke out at Justice Varma's Delhi residence. During the firefighting operations and subsequent investigation, law enforcement officials stumbled upon what was described as "half-burnt cash sacks." The discovery immediately raised eyebrows, prompting Delhi Police commissioner Sanjay Arora to promptly brief both Home Minister Amit Shah and Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay about the situation.
The immediate aftermath saw swift action from various institutions. Chief Justice Upadhyay initiated an in-house inquiry into the matter. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court took cognizance and constituted a three-member committee to conduct its own investigation. This committee has been actively gathering evidence, including recording statements from police personnel, firefighters, and security staff who were present at the scene.
Adding another layer to the situation, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Varma's transfer to the Allahabad High Court. While the court maintained that the transfer proposal was independent of the in-house inquiry, the timing inevitably fueled speculation about a connection. Justice Varma, however, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the claims of cash being found at his residence.
Amidst the unfolding investigation, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the alleged cash discovery. However, the Supreme Court dismissed the PIL, deeming it premature given the ongoing inquiries.
Amit Shah, in his first public response to the controversy at the Times Now Summit 2025, urged patience and emphasized the importance of awaiting the findings of the Supreme Court-appointed committee. He clarified that any decision on registering an FIR would depend on the Chief Justice of India's (CJI) approval, adhering to established judicial protocols. Shah also addressed claims of discrepancies in official reports, asserting that the fire chief's statements were accurately documented and that no formal seizure could occur without an FIR.
As of May 2025, the situation remains complex. The Supreme Court's in-house inquiry committee has reportedly confirmed the recovery of cash from Justice Varma's residence and submitted its findings to the CJI. CJI Sanjiv Khanna, before retiring, forwarded the committee's report to the President and the Prime Minister, setting the stage for potential impeachment proceedings should the government choose to pursue that course. Justice Varma has, according to sources, declined to resign, leaving the next steps to the central government. Recent reports indicate that Amit Shah and Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal met with President Droupadi Murmu, further fueling speculation about the initiation of impeachment proceedings.
