Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna acted swiftly by ordering a judicial probe into the controversy surrounding the alleged recovery of cash at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma. However, the investigation is expected to be an exhaustive process, requiring extensive testimonies and expert assistance, particularly for analyzing the judge’s call records.
The inquiry panel, led by Punjab & Haryana Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Himachal Pradesh Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, and Karnataka High Court’s Justice Anu Sivaraman, will need to systematically examine those involved. This includes the first responders who discovered a fire in the storeroom of Justice Varma’s residence on March 14. While the police claim the room was generally locked, Justice Varma maintains that it was accessed by household staff, gardeners, and PWD personnel.
Forensic experts will play a crucial role in verifying the authenticity of the video footage showing burnt cash at the scene. Additionally, they will analyze whether the location seen in the video aligns with the judge’s storeroom. Justice Varma has referenced a statement by the Delhi Fire Chief, who initially denied finding cash at the residence but later changed his stance. The panel may summon him to clarify this contradiction.
Security personnel on duty at the judge’s residence over the past six months will also be questioned, especially those who claim that debris, including partially burnt items, was removed by the judge’s staff on March 15—an allegation Justice Varma denies. Furthermore, his personal assistants and household staff will be called for questioning.
Justice Varma, in his defense, stated that neither he nor his household ever witnessed burnt currency at the site. He emphasized that when the room was returned to them post-investigation, there was no evidence of cash recovery. The Delhi High Court CJ’s report has indicated the need for a deeper probe.
