'Misconduct proved': Probe panel recommends 'cash pile' accused Justice Yashwant Varma's impeachment

The Supreme Court-appointed panel submitted its report to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The report has confirmed that "half-burnt currency notes" were seen in Varma's residence when the firefighters were dousing the blaze..

The committee has reported that the storeroom from where the cash was recovered is located in Varma's residence.

The storeroom was accessed only by Varma and his family members.

The committee also took note of the fact that Varma, despite suspecting conspiracy, has neither filed a police complaint nor drawn the Chief Justice of the High Court or the Chief Justice of India's attention towards it.

The panel on the basis of the evidence- physical and digital- held that Justice Varma's misconduct was proven and should face impeachment.

"Keeping in view the direct and electronic evidence on record, this Committee is firmly of the view that there is sufficient substance in the allegations raised in the letter of Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India dated 22.03.2025 and the misconduct found proved is serious enough to call for initiation of proceedings for removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, Judge of the Allahabad High Court," the committee stated as quoted by News 18.

What happened at Justice Varma's house?

A fire at Justice Varma's residential bungalow in March led to the recovery of a huge pile of unaccounted cash, prompting the Supreme Court collegium to transfer from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad HC.

Justice Varma was out of town when a fire broke out at his residence. Justice Varma's family members had called the fire brigade.

But when the firefighters doused the fire, a huge pile of cash was discovered inside a room. Police were called by the firefighters.