SC: Justice Varma’s Transfer Unrelated to Cash Recovery Rumors

Why in the News ?

The Supreme Court (SC) clarified that Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer follows the Collegium’s standard procedure and is not linked to alleged cash recovery at his residence. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has initiated an internal inquiry into the reported incident.

SC: Justice Varma’s Transfer Unrelated to Cash Recovery Rumors

SC Statement on Justice Yashwant Varma’s Transfer:

  • The Supreme Court (SC) refuted claims that Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer was linked to an alleged cash recovery incident at his residence.
  • It emphasized that his transfer proposal follows the Collegium’s standard procedures.
  • The transfer decision was independent of any in-house inquiry into the incident.
  • The Collegium has sought feedback from Supreme Court consultee judges, High Court Chief Justices, and Justice Varma before finalizing the transfer.

In-House Inquiry into Delhi HC Incident:

  • The Delhi High Court (HC) initiated an internal inquiry into the reported incident at Justice Varma’s residence.
  • Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya began gathering details before the Supreme Court Collegium meeting on March 20.
  • A report on the findings will be submitted to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on March 21.
  • The nature of the inquiry and report remains confidential to uphold judicial integrity.

Judicial Inquiry Process and Bar Association’s Reaction

  • The Supreme Court cited a 2015 judgment that details the two-stage in-house inquiry process for High Court judges.
  • The first stage involves the High Court Chief Justice’s preliminary review of allegations.

If necessary, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) may initiate a deeper

  • probe by appointing a three-member committee.
  • The Allahabad High Court Bar Association criticized the transfer, questioning if their court was being treated as a “trash bin.”