By News Desk 
An internal committee of the Supreme Court of India has reportedly found the allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma credible in connection with the large-scale cash recovery from his official residence. The committee, constituted by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, submitted its findings on May 4. According to sources, Justice Varma has been asked to tender his resignation. If he refuses, the report will be forwarded to the President of India, recommending the initiation of impeachment proceedings.
Resign or Face Impeachment: Supreme Court’s Tough Stand
As per legal news portal Bar & Bench, sources revealed that the committee confirmed the validity of the allegations against Justice Varma. Following due procedure, the Chief Justice has summoned him and offered two choices: resign voluntarily or face impeachment. The judge has reportedly been given a deadline of May 9 to respond.
High-Level Probe Launched in March
The inquiry committee, formed on March 22, includes top judges: Chief Justice Sheel Nagu (Punjab & Haryana High Court), Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia (Himachal Pradesh High Court), and Justice Anu Sivaraman (Karnataka High Court). The investigation officially began on March 25.
Cash Discovery Triggers Controversy
The controversy began on March 14, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s residence in Delhi. While extinguishing the blaze, firefighters discovered bundles of unaccounted cash. At the time, the judge and his wife were in Madhya Pradesh, while his daughter and elderly mother were at home.
A video later emerged showing stacks of burning currency notes. This incident led to corruption allegations, which Justice Varma dismissed as a “conspiracy.”
Supreme Court Takes Unprecedented Steps
The Delhi Police Commissioner shared the video footage with the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, who forwarded it to the Supreme Court. In an extraordinary move, the Supreme Court made the preliminary report and Justice Varma’s written response public.
Following the controversy, Justice Varma was repatriated to the Allahabad High Court, his parent court, and was re-sworn in. However, the Supreme Court placed him on judicial suspension, meaning he has been barred from hearing any cases. The Allahabad High Court Bar Association even went on strike protesting the decision.
Legal Counsel and the Road Ahead
During the investigation, Justice Varma reportedly sought advice from a legal team comprising senior advocates Siddharth Agarwal, Arundhati Katju, Tara Narula, and Stuti Gurjal, among others, who also visited his residence.
Due to the ongoing internal probe, the Supreme Court has declined to entertain a petition seeking registration of an FIR against him. All eyes are now on May 9, the deadline by which Justice Varma must decide whether to resign or face formal impeachment proceedings.