Vice President Commends CJI & Justice Khanna for Transparency in Justice Yashwant Varma Case
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has publicly lauded Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Sanjiv Khanna for their handling of the situation involving allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court. The Vice President specifically praised their commitment to transparency by making all relevant materials public.
The commendation came during a recent public address, where Dhankhar highlighted the importance of accountability and openness within the judiciary. He stated that the actions taken by the CJI and Justice Khanna in the Justice Varma case set a new precedent for transparency and serve as an example for the entire legal system.
Dhankhar noted that “For the first time, a CJI has put all materials in the public domain. This is a landmark step towards ensuring public trust in the judiciary. I commend CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice Sanjiv Khanna for this bold and decisive action.”
The Vice President’s remarks are particularly significant given the sensitive nature of the allegations against Justice Varma, which involved reports of cash recovery from his residence and his subsequent denial, alleging a conspiracy. The Delhi High Court took swift action by derostering Justice Varma, and the CJI initiated an in-house inquiry into the matter.
Dhankhar emphasized that “The judiciary, like any other institution, must be subject to scrutiny. The actions of the CJI and Justice Khanna demonstrate a willingness to embrace transparency and uphold the highest standards of judicial conduct.”
He further added that “Their handling of this case sends a powerful message that no one is above the law and that the judiciary is committed to maintaining its integrity.”
The Vice President’s praise underscores the importance of public trust in the judiciary and the positive impact of transparent proceedings.
The court’s actions in this case included:
• Derostering Justice Varma: The Delhi High Court withdrew Justice Varma’s judicial duties.
• In-house Inquiry: The CJI initiated an internal investigation into the allegations.
• Public Disclosure: The CJI made all materials related to the case public.
The Vice President’s comments have been welcomed by many in the legal community, who see it as a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to accountability and transparency.