- By Akanksha Verma
- Mon, 28 Jul 2025 01:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Justice Yashwant Varma, who has challenged the Supreme Court action against him in cash discovery case, faced the reprimand of the apex court over his petition on Monday. The Allahabad High Court judge was found guilty by an in-house inquiry panel after a huge pile of burnt cash was recovered from his home during his tenure as Delhi High Court judge. Justice Varma has sought the invalidation of the panel's report.
Questioning Justice Varma's plea, the apex court told the Allahabad High Court judge that his petition "should not have been filed like this". The court further said he should have filed an in-house inquiry report with his plea.
Hearing the matter, a bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih questioned Justice Varma over the parties made in the petition. Justice Varma's petition, which has been filed under the name 'XXX', named three respondents, including the Union of India and the Supreme Court of India. The apex court however observed that the petitioner's "main issue is with the Supreme Court".
Appearing for Justice Varma, senior advocate Kapil Sibal objected to the "public furore" over the cash recovery case. He contended that a judge cannot be made a subject matter of public debate and highlighted that there is a process under Article 124 (the Establishment and constitution of the Supreme Court). "The release of video on SC website, public furore, media accusations against judges are prohibited as per constitutional scheme," Sibal said.
Responding to the Sibal's contention, the bench asked, "Why did you appear before the inquiry committee? Did you come to the court that the video be removed? Why did you wait for the inquiry to be completed and the report be released? Did you take a chance of a favourable order there first?"
The top court asked Sibal to come with one page bullet points and correct the memo of parties. The Supreme Court posted the petition filed by Justice Varma for hearing on July 30.
(With PTI inputs)