Wed May 07 22:48:06 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court Awaits Response in Judge’s Fire Inquiry
**New Delhi, May 8, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India announced today that it will issue a communication regarding the next steps in the investigation into the discovery of half-burnt currency notes at the Delhi residence of former Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, following a fire on March 14, 2025.
A three-member in-house inquiry committee, appointed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, submitted its confidential report on May 4th. The committee investigated the origin of the money, how Justice Varma accounts for it, and who removed it from the premises after the fire. The committee examined forensic evidence, call and internet data, and witness testimonies, including those from police and fire officials. Justice Varma reportedly had the opportunity to present his side.
The report has been forwarded to Justice Varma, who was transferred to the Allahabad High Court in April. He is expected to respond. Depending on his response and the committee’s findings, Chief Justice Khanna may advise Justice Varma to resign or seek voluntary retirement. If he refuses, formal removal proceedings could be initiated, involving the President and Prime Minister.
The inquiry committee consisted of Justice Sheel Nagu (Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court), Justice G.S. Sandhawalia (Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court), and Justice Anu Sivaraman (Judge of Karnataka High Court). Their investigation was prompted by a preliminary enquiry recommending a “deeper probe” from Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya. The Supreme Court’s actions are guided by a 1991 ruling establishing the process for investigating sitting judges.
First Piper 