SC Collegium Recommends Transfer Of Justice Yashwant Varma To Allahabad HC Amidst In-House Inquiry Over Cash Row

The Supreme Court Collegium officially recommended the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma, who is facing an in-house inquiry over allegations of cash stash discovery from his official premises, from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court.

Justice Varma originally belonged to the Allahabad High Court and was brought to Delhi in 2021.

The official statement issued by the Collegium comprising CJI Sanjiv Khanna, Justice BR Gavai, Justice Surya Kant and Justice AS Oka, reads : 

The Supreme Court Collegium in its meetings held on 20th and 24th March 2025 has recommended the repatriation of Mr. Justice Yashwant Varma, Judge, High Court of Delhi, to the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.

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 Saturday, CJI Sanjiv Khanna constituted a 3-member committee to conduct an inquiry into the matter as part of the in-house procedure. This decision was taken after a report was given by Delhi High Court Chief Justice, DK Upadhyay, that the matter required a deeper probe.

On Saturday night, the Supreme Court published on its website the report of the Delhi HC CJ, the response of Justice Varma and the photographs and video shared by the Delhi Police Commissioner.

The fire incident occurred on March 14 at the residential office of Justice Varma when he was out of town.

Delhi High Chief Justice Upadhyay was informed by the Commissioner of Police Delhi in the evening around 4:50 pm on March 15 about the fire which happened at Justice Varma's bungalow on March 14 at 11.30 PM. 

 Justice Varma has denied the 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.