The Indian judiciary has upheld the highest standards of integrity and independence. However, recent events have put the system under scrutiny. A fire at the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Verma led to the discovery of a significant sum of cash, triggering an immediate inquiry by the Supreme Court. This incident has raised concerns over judicial accountability, ethical responsibilities, and the mechanisms in place to ensure transparency in the judiciary.
Incident Overview
On March 14, 2025, a fire broke out at Justice Yashwant Verma’s official residence in Delhi. While fire station officials were responding to the emergency, they discovered a substantial amount of cash hidden within the premises. Reports suggest that the amount could be in crores, though official confirmation is awaited.
Following this revelation, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, took swift action. Justice Verma was immediately transferred to the Allahabad High Court, and an internal judicial probe was initiated to determine the origins of the cash and any possible misconduct.
Legal and Judicial Repercussions
The discovery of unaccounted cash at the residence of a sitting High Court judge has serious legal and ethical implications. Under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, there are strict provisions regarding judicial misconduct, and any wrongdoing by a judge can lead to an in-house inquiry or, in extreme cases, impeachment under Article 124(4) and 217(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution.
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