New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has formed a three-member committee to investigate the allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma. The committee includes Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court; Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court; and Justice Anu Sivaraman of Karnataka High Court.
In addition to the inquiry, CJI Khanna has directed the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court not to assign any judicial work to Justice Varma until further notice.
The inquiry comes after media reports suggested that unaccounted cash was recovered from Justice Varma’s residence following a fire.
Subsequently, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended transferring Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court, his parent court. However, during a full court meeting of all Supreme Court judges, it was concluded that a mere transfer would not suffice and more action was needed.
As a result, the full court unanimously agreed to initiate an in-house inquiry, with the transfer being the first step. While the transfer is in progress, it is still awaiting government approval.
