Rs 15 Crore Cash Stash Found at Delhi High Court Judge’s Residence Sparks Judicial Scandal
NEW DELHI – A shocking discovery of approximately Rs 15 crore in unaccounted cash at the official residence of Delhi High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Varma has reverberated through India’s judiciary, raising serious concerns over integrity and accountability. The enormous cash haul was revealed following a fire at Varma’s residence on March 14, 2025, leading to urgent internal investigations and a judicial transfer that has ignited public outcry for greater transparency.
The incident unfolded dramatically when emergency responders, responding to the blaze, uncovered the hidden cash. Although Justice Varma was out of town during the incident, the sheer volume of money has drawn scrutiny not only from the public but also from judicial authorities who see this as a threat to the fundamental tenets of judicial integrity in India.
In response, the Supreme Court Collegium swiftly recommended Varma’s transfer back to the Allahabad High Court, effective March 20, 2025. This decision serves to distance the Delhi High Court from the controversy while an in-house inquiry committee composed of three Supreme Court judges investigates the circumstances surrounding the cash haul.
Reactions from the legal community have been swift and severe. Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, D.K. Upadhyaya, expressed that the incident has “shaken” many within the judiciary. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal called for an overhaul of the judicial appointment process, labeling corruption in the justice system as “serious” and urging for reforms to restore public trust.
As the investigation continues, the scandal poses a critical test for the judiciary’s capacity to self-regulate and reinforces calls for accountability within a system that has historically shielded its own. How this situation unfolds could determine not only Justice Varma’s future but also the broader integrity of India’s judicial framework.