Fire, Cash, and a Quiet Transfer: SC Collegium’s Controversial Decision

In yet another instance of the judiciary being corrupt and getting scot-free, the Supreme Court Collegium merely transferred the Delhi High Court judge after a huge pile of unaccounted cash was recovered during a huge fire at his bungalow. The collegium, led by the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, transferred tainted Delhi HC Judge Yashwant Varma back to Allahabad High Court without any probe or judicial inquiry.

As per the reports, Justice Yashwant Varma was not present at his residence at the time of the fire mishap. His family members called in the fire brigade and local police, who ‘accidentally’ recovered bundles of unaccounted cash after dousing the fire. The higher authorities in the police department and government were quickly informed. The government officials reportedly informed the CJI Sanjiv Khanna and the cash pile. The CJI immediately called for a collegium meeting, where it was decided that Justice Yashwant Varma be transferred to his parent HC in Allahabad.

Some members of the five-judge collegium opined that such a serious offense, if let off with a mere transfer, would damage the judiciary’s image and trust among the Indian citizens. A few members opined that Justice Varma should be asked to resign and an in-house inquiry should be initiated by the CJI as the first step towards his removal by Parliament if he refuses to resign.

The collegium’s lackluster action against its corrupt justice has invited widespread criticism from all quarters of the country. The opposition Congress party has demanded a thorough investigation, and the same has been voiced by common people and netizens on social media. The SC Collegium’s recommendation of Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer currently is being scrutinized by the union government.