The Supreme Court (SC) on Friday, March 21, 2025, clarified that the transfer of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court is not related to the alleged cash discovery controversy. The top court dismissed the misinformation and rumours surrounding the incident, where reports suggested that a large stash of cash was allegedly discovered at Justice Varma's official residence after a fire.

SC’s Statement on Justice Yashwant Varma’s Transfer

The Supreme Court issued a firm clarification stating that the proposal for Justice Varma’s transfer was "independent and separate" from the in-house enquiry initiated following the fire incident. The court explained that upon receiving information regarding the incident, the Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya had initiated an in-house enquiry procedure to collect evidence and information before the Supreme Court Collegium meeting on March 20, 2025.

"The proposal for Justice Yashwant Varma's transfer to the Allahabad High Court was made solely on administrative grounds and was not influenced by the alleged incident at his residence," the statement emphasized.

In-House Enquiry Underway

The court added that the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, D K Upadhyaya, had commenced an in-house enquiry prior to the Collegium meeting and was expected to submit his report to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on the same day. The apex court assured that appropriate "further and necessary" action would be taken after examining the report.

Fire Incident at Justice Varma’s Residence: No Cash Discovered

Amidst the controversy, Delhi Fire Services (DFS) Chief Atul Garg clarified on Friday, March 21, 2025, that no cash was found during the fire-fighting operation at Justice Varma's residence in Lutyens Delhi. According to DFS records, a call was received about a fire at the judge’s residence at 11:35 pm on March 14, 2025, and two fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the scene.

• Fire Tenders Arrived Promptly: The fire tenders reached the site by 11:43 pm and found that the blaze was confined to a store room stocked with stationery and domestic items.

• Fire Contained Quickly: It took the fire-fighting team 15 minutes to douse the flames, and there were no casualties reported during the incident.

Statement by DFS Chief

Atul Garg stated,
"Our fire fighters did not find any cash during their fire fighting operation. Soon after controlling the flames, we informed the police about the fire incident. Thereafter, a team of fire department personnel left the spot," he clarified.

Allegations of Cash Discovery Refuted

Despite these clear statements, unverified reports and misinformation have been circulating, alleging that a large amount of cash was discovered after the fire, leading to speculation and rumours linking it to Justice Varma’s transfer. The Supreme Court’s statement reiterated that "no link exists between the two incidents" and urged the public to refrain from spreading baseless allegations.

Transfer to Allahabad High Court: Administrative Decision

The SC emphasized that Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer was a part of routine administrative decisions made by the Collegium to ensure the smooth functioning of the judiciary. The transfer had no connection with any alleged incident at his residence, and linking the two events was deemed "misleading and inappropriate."

Future Course of Action

Following the submission of the in-house enquiry report by Delhi HC Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya, the Supreme Court will review the findings and take any necessary actions if required. However, as of now, there is no evidence suggesting wrongdoing or a link between Justice Varma’s transfer and the alleged incident.

The apex court reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and ensuring that judicial decisions are free from influence or misinformation. The court urged media outlets and the public to exercise caution while reporting sensitive matters involving the judiciary.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s clarification aims to dispel rumours and reaffirm that Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer was conducted on administrative grounds, with no link to the alleged cash discovery incident. With the Delhi Fire Services denying any such discovery and an in-house enquiry underway, the judiciary remains committed to upholding the integrity and impartiality of its processes.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Arisinfra Solutions Limited, Desco Infratech Limited, ATC Energies System Limited, Shri Ahimsa Naturals Limited,Identixweb Limited.

The Current active IPO are Rapid Fleet Management Services, Active Infrastructures Limited,Grand Continental Hotels.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.