The sequence of events began on March 14, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma's residence in Lutyens' Delhi. Firefighters responding to the emergency reportedly stumbled upon a substantial amount of cash while extinguishing the blaze. This unexpected discovery has since become the focal point of intense scrutiny and speculation.
In response to the allegations, Chief Justice Upadhyaya initiated an in-house inquiry to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident. On March 21, he submitted his findings to CJI Khanna, who is expected to review the report and determine the appropriate course of action.
The Supreme Court has been quick to address circulating rumors linking Justice Varma's recent transfer to the Allahabad High Court with the cash discovery. In an official statement, the apex court clarified that the transfer proposal is "independent and separate from the in-house inquiry procedure." This distinction aims to dispel any misconceptions about the motives behind the transfer.
Further complicating matters, reports have surfaced indicating that Justice Varma was named in a 2018 Central Bureau of Investigation First Information Report related to a bank fraud case involving a sugar mill. While the specifics of his involvement remain unclear, this revelation has added another layer to the ongoing controversy.
The legal community has expressed deep concern over these developments. Senior advocate Arun Bhardwaj voiced the collective unease, stating, "We respect the system a lot. Each of the judges is respected a lot. We are shaken, my lords, and demoralized." Such sentiments underscore the potential impact of this incident on the judiciary's reputation.
Amid the swirling allegations, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the actual discovery of cash. Delhi Fire Services Director Atul Garg refuted claims of any cash recovery, asserting that firefighters had no interaction with law enforcement officials during the operation. This contradiction has further muddied the waters, leaving many questions unanswered.
The Supreme Court's in-house inquiry procedure, established to address allegations against judges, is now in full swing. As per protocol, the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court is responsible for investigating complaints against its judges. The findings are then forwarded to the CJI, who consults with senior judges to decide on subsequent steps.
Given the gravity of the situation, the judiciary is treading cautiously. The outcome of CJI Khanna's review of Chief Justice Upadhyaya's report will be pivotal in determining the next steps. Potential actions could range from a more detailed investigation to possible disciplinary measures, depending on the evidence presented.