Heavy cash recovered from Delhi High Court judge’s house, collegium transferred

The fire incident in a judge of a judge of Delhi High Court made a big disclosure, causing a stir in the judicial corridors. After extinguishing the fire, the fire brigade found a huge amount of cash in a room, after which the matter reached high officials. Due to this unexpected development, the collegium of the Supreme Court decided to immediately move the judge.

Disclosure after fire, huge amount of cash recovered

According to the Times of India report, Justice Yashwant Verma was not present in the city at the time of the incident. His family reported the fire to the fire department and the police. When the fire was controlled, fire brigade personnel found excessive cash in a room.

Supreme Court immediately took cognizance

• Information about the incident reached senior officers from the local police and soon the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court (CJI) Sanjeev Khanna was also reported.
• CJI Khanna immediately called a collegium meeting, in which it was decided that Justice Verma should be transferred from Delhi High Court to Allahabad High Court.
• Justice Verma came to the Delhi High Court from Allahabad High Court in October 2021.

Differences on further action from transfer

Some members of the collegium were in favor of strict action rather than just transfer. He argued that:

1. Stimulating this case only to transfer can damage the image of the judiciary.
2. The resignation should be sought from Justice Verma to maintain the credibility of the institute.
3. If they refuse to resign, CJI should start an in-house check.

What is the in-house check process?

Under the in-house investigation process established by the Supreme Court in 1999, if a judge is accused of corruption, indiscipline or wrong conduct, then:

1. CJI first seeks clarification from the judge.
2. If the answer is unsatisfactory, an inquiry panel is formed, in which:
   • A Supreme Court judge
   • The Chief Justice of the two High Court is involved.

What will be the next step?

At the moment, Justice Verma has been transferred, but it remains to be seen whether any internal investigation or disciplinary action will be taken in this matter. There is a demand for strictness of this episode to maintain the fairness and credibility of the judiciary.