Fri Mar 21 12:10:59 UTC 2025: ## Delhi High Court Judge Transferred Amidst Unaccounted Cash Scandal; Inquiry Ordered

**New Delhi, March 22, 2025** – The transfer of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court following the discovery of a large sum of unaccounted cash at his residence is not the end of the matter, sources confirmed today. The Supreme Court has initiated a preliminary inquiry into the incident, which could ultimately lead to Justice Varma’s resignation or removal from office via parliamentary proceedings under Article 124(4) of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court Chief Justice, Sanjiv Khanna, has requested a report from the Delhi High Court Chief Justice, DK Upadhyaya, to be submitted within 24 hours. Sources indicate that the Supreme Court judges discussed the matter extensively, with many expressing concerns and suggesting Justice Varma temporarily step down. The transfer, they stressed, is merely the first step in addressing the situation.

The inquiry follows widespread calls for action, including from lawyers, opposition Congress party members, and legal experts, who argued that a simple transfer was insufficient. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera emphasized the need to determine the source of the funds and why they were given to the judge, citing Justice Varma’s involvement in high-profile cases like the Unnao rape case.

The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has strongly opposed the transfer, questioning whether their court is being used as a “trash bin.” The controversy began last week when a fire at Justice Varma’s Delhi bungalow revealed the cash, prompting the Supreme Court Collegium to act swiftly. While the Collegium unanimously approved the transfer, prominent legal figures like Kapil Sibal and Indira Jaising have called for greater transparency and accountability within the Collegium itself. The matter has also been raised in Parliament.

Justice Varma, who has not yet commented publicly, is currently on leave. The unfolding events have raised serious questions about the functioning of the Supreme Court Collegium and its role in vetting and appointing judges.

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