New Delhi, March 25, 2025 – The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, back to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court. The decision, taken in meetings held on March 20 and March 24, was officially announced on Monday.
In its resolution, the Collegium stated, “In its meetings held on 20th and 24th March 2025, it has recommended the repatriation of Justice Yashwant Varma, Judge, High Court of Delhi, to the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.” However, the recommendation has sparked controversy, with the Allahabad High Court Bar Association raising objections against the decision.
Justice Varma is at the center of a growing controversy following reports of an alleged recovery of a large stash of cash from his official residence in Delhi. According to media reports, the incident came to light when a fire broke out at his home on March 14. Firefighters responding to the emergency reportedly discovered the hidden cash while attempting to douse the flames. Justice Varma was not present at his residence at the time of the fire.
Amid increasing speculation and public scrutiny, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the allegations. The committee includes Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab & Haryana High Court; Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court; and Justice Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the Karnataka High Court.
Meanwhile, Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Upadhyaya has been directed not to assign any judicial work to Justice Varma until further notice.
In response to the allegations, Justice Varma has strongly denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he is being deliberately framed to tarnish his reputation. He stated that neither he nor any member of his family had placed cash in the storeroom where it was allegedly found. He also clarified that the room in question was an outhouse, separate from his main residence, further casting doubt on the allegations.
Even as the controversy unfolds, the Supreme Court has sought to distance the decision to transfer Justice Varma from the allegations against him. On Friday, the apex court dismissed any connection between the transfer and the alleged recovery of cash, maintaining that the repatriation decision was unrelated to the ongoing controversy.
