Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has swiftly directed a judicial inquiry into the serious allegations regarding cash being found at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma. The inquiry, which will be led by a three-member panel, is expected to be a complex and time-consuming task, requiring the examination of multiple individuals and experts to analyze key evidence, including the judge's call data records.
The panel, consisting of seasoned judges – Punjab & Haryana Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Himachal Pradesh Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia, and Karnataka High Court's Justice Anu Sivaraman – brings over a decade of experience in constitutional courts. Their task will involve meticulous investigations, including identifying people to be examined, particularly the first responders to a fire that broke out in the storeroom of Justice Varma's residence on the night of March 14.
While the police chief stated that the storeroom mostly remained locked, Justice Varma has insisted that it was accessed by staff, gardeners, and Public Works Department (PWD) personnel. One of the primary tasks of the inquiry panel will be to verify the authenticity of a video showing burnt cash, filmed by the first responders, and determine if the location of the burnt cash matches the storeroom.
Additionally, the panel will scrutinize statements made by the Delhi fire chief, who had initially stated that no cash was found at the judge's residence. This statement was later contradicted, and the fire chief may be summoned to clarify the basis for the initial claim and subsequent reversal. The inquiry will also include testimony from security personnel who have alleged that "debris and half-burnt" items were removed by the judge's staff on March 15 – a claim that Justice Varma has denied. Other staff members, including those assigned to security duties at the Tughlaq Crescent bungalow, will also be interviewed.
An essential aspect of the inquiry will be the examination of the call data records from Justice Varma's official and personal phones. The panel will seek the assistance of experts in information technology and telecommunications to analyze the records. Justice Varma has been instructed not to delete any data from his devices.
The Delhi Police Commissioner informed Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyay on March 15 that the storeroom, located adjacent to the guard room where Central Reserve Police Force personnel are stationed, was typically kept locked. However, Justice Varma has argued that the room was used for storing household articles and remained accessible to all staff members. The Delhi High Court Chief Justice’s report, based on an initial inquiry, suggests that access to the storeroom was likely limited to those residing in the bungalow and its staff, leading to the conclusion that a more detailed investigation is warranted.
Justice Varma has maintained that no one in his household reported seeing burnt currency, further reinforcing his stance with the claim that no cash or currency was found after the fire services and police had left the scene. He also referred to the statement made by the fire service chief, which he said aligned with his defense.
As the inquiry progresses, all eyes will be on how the judicial panel handles the sensitive and complex case, which has raised questions about the integrity of the judicial system and the handling of evidence.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)