NEW DELHI: In an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court, late on Saturday evening, made public an inquiry report submitted by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya. The report, uploaded to the court’s official website, included photos and videos detailing the alleged discovery of a significant amount of cash at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma, a serving judge of the high court.  

According to Justice Upadhyaya’s 25-page report addressed to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, official communications revealed that four to five semi-burnt sacks containing Indian currency notes were recovered from the judge’s Lutyens’ Delhi residence. The recovery has raised serious questions regarding its origin and the circumstances under which the cash was found. The report contains photos and videos of the cash allegedly discovered at a storeroom at Justice Varma's house during a firefighting operation on the night of Holi, March 14. It also contains his response.

The report states, “Upon examining the reported incident, the materials presented, and the response of Justice Yashwant Varma, it was found that the Commissioner of Police, in his report dated March 16, 2025, confirmed that partially-burnt articles and debris, including the currency sacks, were removed from the room where a fire had broken out on the morning of March 15, 2025.” The details emerged as part of an ongoing probe into the unusual event.  

This disclosure has prompted widespread speculation and concern regarding judicial accountability and transparency. The case is expected to attract significant public and legal scrutiny as investigations proceed.  

The discovery of cash at Justice Varma’s residence occurred on March 14, 2025, when a fire broke out in the judge’s bungalow in Lutyens’ Delhi. Emergency responders reportedly found semi-burnt sacks of Indian currency notes in a storeroom used for old household items.  

Justice Varma was in Madhya Pradesh at the time of the fire. His family members alerted authorities to the blaze. Although he has strongly denied any connection to the cash, the Supreme Court relieved him of judicial duties and ordered his transfer to the Allahabad High Court.