SC ensures communication between CJI in the inquiry group regarding the actions of the judicial Yashwant Varma

New Delhi Supreme Court Building. File photo.

The Supreme Court assured that it would issue communications on the lawsuit taken by India's Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna after a confidential report was submitted by the three-person internal investigation committee on May 4, 2025. The committee investigated the discovery of semi-burning currency notes in the official residence of former High Court judge Yashwant Varma, Delhi, after the fire on March 14, 2025.

The committee was formed by Chief Justice Khanna on March 22, 2025 to conduct an in-depth investigation into the incident, inspecting available evidence forensic materials, call and internet data records, as well as witnesses, including police officers and firefighters at the scene. According to the principles of natural justice, Judge Varma reportedly had the opportunity to appear in court and object to any charges.

Media reports have so far indicated that the committee has confirmed the existence of cash at the venue.

The task of the team was to investigate CJI for three specific questions: how Justice Varma considered the money allegedly found in the room; where the money came from; who took it out of the room on March 15 (the day after the fire).

After the incident, the Chief Justice of India has forwarded the panel's report to Justice Wama, who was transferred to the Allahabad High Court in April 2025. Judge Varma must respond to the report of the investigation team.

The Supreme Court said that Chief Justice Khanna had multiple options based on the contents of the report. If the Committee concluded that the allegation was necessary for substantive litigation to hear the judge’s dismissal, the Chief Justice would directly advise the judge to resign or seek voluntary retirement. However, if the judge rejects this recommendation, the CJI will then inform the President and the Prime Minister's Committee of findings, which may be necessary to initiate formal dismissal procedures.

1991 Constitutional Benchmark Judgment K. Veeraswami vs. India League The case is determined that criminal cases can be conducted against the current High Court judge, the Chief Justice of the High Court or the Supreme Court judge, but only after consultation with the Chief Justice of India.

The committee's report dated on May 3, 2025 was prepared by Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana; Chief Justice of the High Court of Himaal Pang Judge GS Sandhawalia; and Chief Justice of Karnataka Judge Anu Sivaraman.

A preliminary investigation report filed on 21 March 2025 by Chief Justice of the High Court of Delhi DK Upadhyaya, based on the decision of the committee, which recommends a “more inquiry” into the allegations.