Mon Mar 24 12:43:31 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Recommends Transfer of Delhi High Court Judge Amidst Burnt Cash Controversy
**New Delhi** – The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the transfer of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court. This recommendation follows the discovery of burnt cash at Justice Varma’s residence on Holi, March 14th. While the Supreme Court maintains the transfer is independent of the cash recovery, the timing and lack of explicit reasons have sparked controversy within legal circles.
The burnt cash was discovered by fire service personnel responding to a fire in a storeroom near the servants’ quarters of the judge’s bungalow. Justice Varma, who was out of town at the time, denies any family involvement, stating the room was accessible to multiple people.
The Supreme Court, in a rare move, published a report detailing the incident, including photos and videos, on its website. A three-member committee, comprising Chief Justices from the Punjab and Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Karnataka High Courts, has been tasked with investigating the matter.
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association opposed the transfer, arguing that an investigation should precede any decision. Prominent legal figures, including former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi and former Solicitor General Harish Salve, have voiced concerns, suggesting the transfer should be postponed until the investigation concludes. They argue that if the allegations against Justice Varma are false, the transfer is unfair, and if true, a transfer is insufficient.
The Supreme Court’s recommendation has been sent to the central government, which will issue the final order on the transfer. The unusual circumstances surrounding the recommendation and the ongoing investigation have created significant debate regarding judicial accountability and transparency.
First Piper 