Mon Mar 24 06:59:36 UTC 2025: ## Delhi High Court Judge Removed From Duty Amidst Burnt Cash Controversy

**New Delhi, India** – Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma has been removed from active duty with immediate effect, pending further investigation. This follows the discovery of a pile of burnt cash at his residence after a fire on Holi. The decision was announced Monday morning by Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya.

Justice Varma, appointed in October 2021, heads a division bench dealing with tax and company appeals. The controversy erupted last week when news of the burnt cash became public, leading to the Supreme Court forming a three-member committee to investigate the matter. The committee comprises the Chief Justices of the Punjab and Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka High Courts.

Initially, the Supreme Court Collegium proposed transferring Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court. However, this decision drew criticism, including from senior advocate Harish Salve, who argued for a thorough inquiry before any transfer. The Supreme Court subsequently clarified that the proposed transfer was unrelated to the investigation and was based on misinformation.

Justice Varma has maintained his innocence, claiming the incident was a conspiracy and that his family’s financial transactions are entirely documented through banking channels. The Supreme Court, in an unprecedented move, released a report, including photographs and videos, from the Delhi High Court, though certain sections were redacted for confidentiality.

The case has also involved a clarification from the Delhi Fire Services chief, Atul Garg, who denied reports that he stated no cash was found at the scene. The ongoing investigation promises to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the burnt cash at Justice Varma’s residence.

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