The Supreme Court bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice AG Masih has dismissed a writ petition filed by Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court, challenging an inquiry report related to his conduct in a case concerning a large amount of cash discovered at his residence during a firefighting operation.

The Judgment was announced on August 7, having been reserved on July 30. The court ruled that the petition could not be entertained due to Justice Varma's involvement in the inquiry process and his questioning of its legitimacy.

Despite finding the petition non-maintainable, the bench decided to address five related issues, considering their significance.

The court affirmed that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) had followed proper procedures in constituting the inquiry committee and noted the lack of merit in Justice Varma’s objections concerning the publication of photographs from the incident.

Additionally, a separate petition seeking to register an FIR against Justice Varma was rejected.

The inquiry,initiated after the discovery of unaccounted cash at Justice Varma’s residence, examined witness testimonies and electronic evidence, ultimately resulting in a recommendation for his removal from office.

Based on the committee’s findings the former Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna had forwarded the report to the President and Prime Minister, recommending Justice Varma’s resignation.

The matter has since gained traction in Parliament, with discussions underway regarding possible impeachment proceedings.

Case Details : XXX V THE UNION OF INDIA AND ORS

WRIT PETITION ( c) No. 699/2025