Justice Yashwant Varma Takes Oath As Judge Of Allahabad High Court Amidst In-House Inquiry Over Cash Row

Unlike the usual public oath-taking ceremonies organized for judges, where the event is often attended by various dignitaries and made a formal occasion, Justice Varma took his oath in a private setting, within chamber.

The Central Government notified his repatriation from Delhi to the Allahabad High Court on March 28, based on the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendations made on March 24.

Justice Varma is facing an in-house inquiry by a 3-judge panel constituted by the Chief Justice of India over the allegations regarding the discovery of illicit cash currencies at his official premises.

It is significant to note that the transfer order had come despite the protests of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association. Justice Varma, who originally belonged to the Allahabad High Court, was transferred to the Delhi High Court in 2021.

Justice Varma became a centre of controversy on March 21 after the publication of news reports that a fire at a storeroom in the outhouse of his official bungalow led to the discovery of sacks of cash currencies.

On March 22, the CJI, Justice Sanjiv Khanna constituted a 3-member committee to conduct an inquiry into the allegations against Justice Varma, as part of the in-house procedure.

This was followed by the Supreme Court making the video of fire dousing, the report of the Delhi High Court Chief Justice and Justice Varma's response public on its official website. Justice Varma has denied possession of cash and claimed it to be a conspiracy against him.

On March 24, the Delhi High Court withdrew judicial work from Justice Varma in pursuance of directions from the Apex Court.

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea has been filed in the Allahabad High Court seeking a directive to the Chief Justice of the High Court to refrain from administering the oath of office to Judge Yashwant Varma.