In a sensational twist that has rocked the Indian judiciary, the Supreme Court has taken serious cognizance of the discovery of crores worth of cash bundles from the residence of a High Court judge. Responding swiftly, the apex court has appointed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter in depth. The panel includes Justice Anu Sivaraman from Kerala, Chief Justice Sheel Nagu of the Punjab–Haryana High Court, and Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.

The judge at the center of the controversy, Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court, has been temporarily relieved of his judicial duties by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna. This decision came soon after fresh light was shed on Varma’s alleged involvement in multiple past fraud cases.

A Shadow of Suspicion

Justice Varma’s name had earlier emerged in a high-profile sugar mill scam investigated by the CBI. The scam involved Sambhavi Sugar Mills, where large-scale bank loan fraud and fake KYC documents were allegedly used. Varma had served as a non-executive director of the company. Among the key accused is Gurpal Singh, the son-in-law of former Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.

The Million-Rupee Question: Where Did the Money Come From?

Who reported the fire? Why did the fire department claim they didn’t see any cash on the premises? These puzzling questions have only added fuel to the controversy. The Delhi High Court’s report, Justice Varma’s official response, and all related documents are expected to be uploaded soon on the Supreme Court website.

Has the Pillar of Justice Cracked?

“This incident has shaken the judiciary and deeply wounded its credibility,” said Delhi High Court Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyay. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal called for greater transparency in judicial appointments, while former Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi demanded an official bulletin from the Supreme Court to clarify the developments.

Resignation – The Only Honourable Exit?

“If the allegations are proven true, Justice Yashwant Varma must resign,” said former Supreme Court judge Indira Banerjee, expressing deep disappointment over the situation.

With the pillars of justice trembling and a constitutional institution under cloud, India’s judiciary now faces an unprecedented trial of its own – a moment that may redefine its future course.