Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul criticizes investigation into Justice Yashwant Varma

Former Supreme Court Judge Sanjay Kishan Kaul has expressed concerns regarding the investigation into the recovery of unaccounted and partially burnt cash from the official residence of Justice Yashwant Varma. The incident occurred on August 12, 2025, while Varma was a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court.

Justice Kaul described the probe as improper, specifically noting the failure to determine the cause of the fire at the premises. He remarked that the case was troubling given Varma’s strong legal background and lack of prior complaints during his tenures in Allahabad and Delhi, stating there were “too many questions, too many ifs and buts in it.”

Following an internal inquiry, former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna recommended initiating removal procedures for Varma to the President and Prime Minister. Although Varma resigned on April 10, a three-member inquiry committee appointed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla indicted him. The committee’s report was tabled in both Houses of Parliament during the Monsoon Session but was not discussed due to political stand-offs. Speaker Birla is expected to consult political parties before making a pronouncement in the next parliamentary session.