Justice Yashwant Varma Resigns Amid Investigation into Cash Allegations

Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has formally resigned from his position, amid an ongoing investigation into allegations surrounding unaccounted cash. The resignation was submitted to President Draupadi Murmu, as reported by Live Law on Friday. This decision follows a tumultuous period for Varma, who has been embroiled in controversy since the discovery of cash at his official residence in Delhi.

The incident that sparked the inquiry occurred on March 14, 2025, when emergency services were called to address a fire at Varma’s residence. During their response, a significant amount of unaccounted cash was reportedly found. At the time of the discovery, Justice Varma was in Bhopal and has since denied any ownership of the funds, asserting that they did not belong to him or his family. The controversy surrounding the matter led to his subsequent transfer to the Allahabad High Court.

Varma’s resignation occurs against the backdrop of increasing scrutiny from the government. Over two months ago, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju indicated that steps were being taken towards the impeachment of Justice Varma. The Union government is currently awaiting findings from a three-member committee formed under the 1968 Judges Inquiry Act, initiated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on August 12. This committee has undergone changes, with Madras High Court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava being replaced by Bombay High Court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar, following Shrivastava’s retirement in early March.

The ongoing investigation and subsequent developments encapsulate a significant moment in the Indian judiciary, raising questions about accountability and transparency within the system. As the inquiry progresses, the implications for Justice Varma and the judicial framework in India remain to be seen. Legal experts and the public alike are paying close attention, as the case could set a precedent for handling allegations against high-ranking judges in the future.

Justice Varma’s resignation signifies a critical juncture for the Allahabad High Court and the Indian judiciary as a whole. With public trust in the justice system being paramount, how the government and judicial authorities navigate this issue will be crucial in restoring confidence among citizens.

Source: scroll.in