Justice Yashwant Varma Transferred After Huge Cash Recovery from His Residence

New Delhi | March 15, 2025

A shocking incident has rocked the judicial corridors of Delhi as a massive pile of cash was reportedly discovered at the official residence of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma. Following this revelation, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, has decided to transfer Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court.

Fire Leads to Startling Discovery

The incident unfolded on March 14, during Holi celebrations, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official bungalow. Family members immediately called emergency services, who, upon arrival, also alerted the police. When authorities doused the fire and began investigating the premises, they reportedly found a vast sum of cash hidden inside one of the rooms.

According to reports, Justice Varma was out of town at the time of the incident. As the news reached the higher echelons of the government, the Supreme Court Collegium acted swiftly, deciding to transfer him back to his parent High Court in Allahabad.

Judicial Fraternity Shocked

The legal community has been left shaken by the controversy. Senior advocate Arun Bhardwaj, speaking before Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya, expressed his dismay:
“Today’s incident has pained many of us. Please take some steps on the administrative side so that such incidents do not happen in the future and the truthfulness of the judicial system is maintained. We are shaken and demoralized.”

The Chief Justice acknowledged the gravity of the situation, responding, “So is everybody. We are conscious…”

Justice Yashwant Varma did not hold court on Friday, and the court master noted that the division bench was on leave.

Who is Justice Yashwant Varma?

Justice Yashwant Varma has had a distinguished career in the legal field. Here’s a brief look at his background:

• Born: January 6, 1969, in Allahabad.
• Education: Graduated with a B.Com (Honours) from Hansraj College, Delhi University.
• Law Degree: LLB from Rewa University, Madhya Pradesh.
• Legal Practice: Enrolled as an Advocate on August 8, 1992.
• Judicial Career:
• Appointed as an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court on October 13, 2014.
• Became a Permanent Judge of the Allahabad High Court on February 1, 2016.
• Transferred to Delhi High Court on October 11, 2021.

Before his elevation as a judge, Justice Varma had a vast legal practice, dealing with constitutional, labour, corporate, taxation, and industrial laws. He also served as Special Counsel for the Allahabad High Court and held the office of Chief Standing Counsel for Uttar Pradesh from 2012 to 2013.

What’s Next?

With Justice Varma’s sudden transfer, questions remain about the legal and ethical implications of the massive cash recovery. While no official statement has been made regarding any further investigation, the legal community awaits clarity on the matter. The transfer decision reflects the judiciary’s commitment to maintaining its credibility, but the incident has certainly cast a shadow on judicial integrity.

The unfolding developments will be closely watched as more details emerge in this high-profile case.