The many unanswered questions on Justice Yashwant Varma that threaten the credibility of our judicial system

SINCE today morning, media reports quoting the Delhi police have indicated that at about 11:30 PM on the night of March 14, 2025, a  fire broke out at the residential premises of Justice Yashwant Varma, sitting judge of the Delhi High Court. Media reports have further stated that a call regarding a fire in a storeroom was received by the  police. Reportedly, two fire vehicles were sent and the fire was doused within fifteen minutes.

When fire tenders and police reached the spot to douse the flames, reportedly, they stumbled upon stacks of liquid cash. Reports also suggest that “jute sacks full of cash” were found “stashed in a corner of the outhouse” of the residence.

It was further reported that the members of the Supreme Court Collegium were apprised of a video, purportedly, of “burning cash” at Justice Varma’s residence. These reports, of course, leave several questions unanswered. 

1. What was the cause of the fire? 

2. More importantly, was any FIR lodged under Section 326(f) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, for “causing mischief by inundation, fire or explosive substances “, an offence punishable with seven years of  imprisonment and fine? 
   
   If not, why was this not done? 

   Reports also suggest that no official record or seizure of cash was made by officials. An investigation  into the cause of the fire may provide valuable clues that could effectively aid in untangling the  facts relating to this case.

3. What must we understand by the expression  “burning cash”? Does it indicate that the cash was deliberately set on fire or was it consumed by the flames when the fire broke out in the house?

Notably, the incident occurred seven days ago, on March 14, and it was not until today that the press began to widely report on this incident, and the subsequent discovery. 

Why has there been such an inordinate delay in the communication of this information to the press in a matter concerning the credibility of the Indian judiciary, in which the entire country has an interest?

When did the Supreme Court Collegium learn of the event? More importantly, we must ask how the Collegium was apprised of this information, and what source it relied on to access this information.

Media reports have further indicated that the judge in question has been transferred to the Allahabad High Court, his parent High Court, based on a unanimous decision of the Collegium. But why is there no Collegium resolution to date specifying about the transfer, or indicating the reasons for the transfer? This is particularly important because we have no information regarding whether any explanation was sought by the Collegium before deciding on the transfer or what explanations, if any, were provided by Justice Varma?