SC directs Allahabad HC CJ to withhold judicial work from Justice Yashwant Varma amid cash-at-home row

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the

Allahabad high court

CJ to not assign any

judicial work

to

Justice Yashwant Varma

"for the time being". Earlier today, Justice Varma was transferred from the Delhi high court to the Allahabad high court amid an ongoing inquiry into the alleged discovery of cash at his official residence.

On Friday, the government issued a formal notification confirming Justice Varma’s transfer, citing powers under Article 222 of the Constitution. This followed the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation, which stated the transfer was separate from the in-house inquiry ordered after a fire at his Lutyens' Delhi residence on March 14. Reports suggested that semi-burnt wads of cash were found at the site, leading to an investigation.
A three-member committee was subsequently formed on March 22 to conduct an in-house inquiry, with the report, including photos and videos, later uploaded on the Supreme Court website. Justice Varma has strongly denied any wrongdoing, stating that neither he nor his family placed any cash at the location.

The Supreme Court on Friday also declined to entertain a PIL seeking the registration of an FIR against Justice Varma. Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan ruled that the matter was premature, as the in-house inquiry was ongoing. They added that once the committee submits its findings, multiple options, including possible legal action, will be available to the Chief Justice of India.
Justice Varma’s transfer has sparked protests from members of the Allahabad high court Bar Association, who have launched an indefinite strike opposing the move.