CJI BR Gavai Urges Swift and Transparent Action as Justice Yashwant Varma Faces Removal Over Cash Recovery Allegations

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has called for urgent, transparent, and decisive steps in tackling judicial misconduct, as the government considers the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court. Justice Varma is under scrutiny after a significant sum of unaccounted cash was discovered at his official residence in Delhi during a fire incident earlier this year. Speaking at a judicial roundtable in the UK, BR Gavai emphasized that instances of corruption within the judiciary seriously undermine public confidence in the legal system. According to BR Gavai, the judiciary must act swiftly and transparently in such matters to preserve its legitimacy and restore faith among citizens.

CJI BR Gavai Stresses Accountability in Judiciary Amid Justice Varma Cash Scandal

The CJI BR Gavai’s remarks came during a roundtable at the UK Supreme Court on Tuesday, where the discussion focused on maintaining judicial legitimacy and public trust. Emphasizing that no system is entirely immune to misconduct, the CJI expressed concern over instances of corruption within the judiciary. “Such occurrences inevitably have a negative impact on public confidence,” he said, underlining the potential damage to the institution’s integrity.

He added that restoring this trust requires clear and prompt action. “In India, when such instances have come to light, the Supreme Court has consistently taken immediate and appropriate measures to address the misconduct,” he stated.

Justice Varma, who served on the Delhi High Court at the time of the March 14 incident, allegedly kept large sums of unaccounted cash in the storeroom of his government residence. After investigating the matter, a three-judge panel submitted its findings to then Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna. Chief Justices Sheel Nagu, GS Sandhawalia, and Justice Anu Sivaraman, who formed the panel, confirmed the recovery of cash and recommended serious action.

In response, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Varma’s transfer back to the Allahabad High Court on March 24. The High Court formally transferred him on March 28 but has withheld all judicial assignments since then. Subsequently, CJI Khanna wrote to the President and Prime Minister, submitting the inquiry committee’s report and Justice Varma’s response dated May 6.

As the government now prepares to take further action, CJI BR Gavai has strongly emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to upholding ethical standards and holding violators accountable—regardless of their rank or position.