Fri Mar 21 15:00:21 UTC 2025: ## High Court Judge’s Transfer Halted Amidst Conflicting Cash Recovery Claims
**New Delhi** – Senior Advocate Harish Salve has called for the transfer of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court to be put on hold, citing conflicting reports surrounding the alleged recovery of a large sum of cash from the judge’s residence.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced on Friday claiming ₹15 crore (approximately $1.8 million USD) was recovered from Justice Varma’s home following a fire on March 14th. However, Delhi Fire Services Chief Atul Garg subsequently stated that no cash was found by firefighters at the scene. This discrepancy has cast doubt on the initial reports and fueled calls for a thorough investigation.
While the Supreme Court issued a statement clarifying that the judge’s transfer was unrelated to the ongoing internal Delhi High Court inquiry, Mr. Salve argues the Collegium system is ill-equipped to handle such sensitive situations. He questioned the timing of the transfer announcement, which coincided with the publication of the initial cash recovery reports. He expressed concern that the Collegium may have been aware of the allegations beforehand, suggesting a need for greater transparency.
Mr. Salve, a vocal critic of the Collegium system for judicial appointments, believes the situation highlights its shortcomings. He proposed the establishment of an independent panel, comprising a judge and eminent outsiders, to investigate the conflicting accounts. He emphasized that a fair and credible investigation is crucial, regardless of whether the allegations are true or false, to maintain public trust in the judiciary.
Mr. Salve further criticized the Supreme Court’s rejection of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC), arguing that the current Collegium system lacks sufficient external oversight. He advocated for a reformed system that includes representation from outside the judiciary, ensuring greater accountability and transparency in judicial appointments. He also stressed that judges, while deserving of protection, are not above the law.
The situation underscores growing concerns about the integrity and accountability of the Indian judiciary, prompting calls for urgent reforms to restore public faith in the justice system. The conflicting reports and the ensuing controversy have created a significant challenge for the judiciary and the government. The ongoing inquiry and the future course of action will be closely scrutinized by the public and legal experts alike.
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