“Mere Cash Discovery Doesn’t Establish Guilt,” Justice Yashwant Varma Tells Supreme Court

Justice Yashwant Varma has approached the Supreme Court challenging the in‑house inquiry panel’s report that found him culpable for possessing large sums of cash at his official residence. He argues that:

The mere discovery of money, even amidst a fire at his residence, does not prove ownership or wrongdoing.

The panel operated on assumptions and hasty conclusions, relying on incomplete evidence and did not afford him adequate opportunity to present a defense.

Crucial questions remain unanswered: Who placed the money? When and how much? Was it genuine? What caused the fire? What role did he play in the removal of cash?

Additionally, Justice Varma contends that the in‑house procedure lacks statutory authority, violates principles of separation of powers and due process, and leaks to media harmed his reputation.

He has also challenged the recommendation by then‑CJI Sanjiv Khanna to initiate impeachment proceedings, saying it was based on flawed findings.

Case Status: Petition filed on July 18, 2025. The hearing will determine whether the inquiry report and impeachment recommendation hold up.