Cash recovery row: Delhi HC withdraws judicial work from Justice Yashwant Varma

The Delhi High Court has withdrawn judicial work from Justice Yashwant Varma, who is facing probe for alleged discovery of unaccounted cash from his residence in the national capital. Cases have been withdrawn from his bench with “immediate effect”.

In a note released on the Delhi High Court’s website on Monday, it said, “In view of the recent events, the judicial work from honourable Mr Justice Yashwant Varma is withdrawn with immediate effect, till further orders.” On another note, the High Court said the court master of division bench-III, which was headed by Justice Varma, will give dates in matters listed before Monday, PTI reported.

A large stash of unaccounted cash was allegedly discovered from the residence of Justice Varma during a fire at his residence over Holi weekend. Justice Varma was reportedly not present at the residence during the incident. The cash was allegedly recovered by fire officials. However, Justice Varma denied the allegations and called the entire episode a “conspiracy” to tarnish his image.

In a surprise move, the Supreme Court on Saturday uploaded the in-house inquiry report against Justice Varma on the website. As per directions of the apex court, the Delhi High Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya conducted a probe against Justice Varma over the allegations. Videos and photos taken at Justice Varma’s residence were also published.

In his statement, Justice Varma had said, “I state unequivocally that no cash was ever placed in that storeroom either by me or any of my family members and strongly denounce the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to us.” Justice Varma said the room from where bundles of cash were found was “completely disassociated” from his living areas and a “boundary wall demarcates my living area from that outhouse.”