Unaccounted cash recovered from Delhi HC judge’s official bungalow, SC Collegium takes action

Massive cash recovery at judge’s residence sparks judicial shake-up

A fire that broke out at the official residence of Justice Yashwant Verma of the Delhi High Court has led to a significant development in India’s judiciary. In an emergency meeting on March 20, the Supreme Court Collegium decided to transfer Justice Verma to his parent High Court in Allahabad after a huge stash of unaccounted cash was discovered in his bungalow.

Details of the incident

On the night of March 14 at around 11:30 PM, a fire was reported at Justice Verma’s bungalow on Tughlak Road in New Delhi. With Justice Verma out of town, his family alerted the Delhi Fire Service and police. Once the fire was extinguished, first responders discovered large amounts of cash in one of the rooms.

The incident was officially recorded, and the Delhi Police informed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The MHA subsequently forwarded its report to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, prompting immediate action.

Collegium’s response and transfer decision

According to sources, the CJI took a serious view of the matter and convened an emergency meeting of the Supreme Court Collegium, which unanimously recommended Justice Verma’s transfer.

Justice Verma, who had been transferred from Allahabad to the Delhi High Court in October 2021, will now return to his former post.

However, the Collegium is also considering further action. Some members believe a mere transfer is inadequate given the seriousness of the discovery. They have called for Justice Verma to be asked to resign, and if he declines, they support initiating an in-house inquiry as a precursor to potential impeachment proceedings.

Possible disciplinary action under judicial protocol

The Supreme Court’s in-house procedure, established in 1999, provides a framework for dealing with complaints of corruption or misconduct against judges of constitutional courts.

Under these guidelines:

• The CJI first seeks a response from the judge concerned.
• If the response is unsatisfactory or if the matter warrants deeper scrutiny, the CJI may constitute an internal committee.
• This committee includes a Supreme Court judge and two Chief Justices of High Courts.
• If the committee finds the misconduct to be grave, it may recommend that the judge resign. If the judge refuses, Parliamentary proceedings for removal may be initiated.

Repercussions within the judiciary

The incident has sent shockwaves through the judicial system, raising serious concerns about judicial accountability. Sources indicated that the adverse reports received from the MHA and other authorities played a crucial role in the swift action taken by the Collegium.

With calls growing for greater transparency and integrity, Justice Verma’s transfer may be just the beginning of a broader process that could include formal investigation and disciplinary action.

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