Sumit Joshi March 26, 2025 : The Supreme Court on Wednesday deferred the urgent hearing of a petition seeking the registration of an FIR against Delhi High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma. The case stems from allegations that a large sum of cash was recovered and later removed from his official residence following a fire outbreak on the night of March 14-15.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna informed advocate Mathews Nedumpara, who was pressing for an urgent hearing, that the matter has been scheduled for listing. The CJI also advised the advocate not to make any public statements and to check with the registry for the hearing date.
Advocate Nedumpara emphasized that the only action sought is the immediate filing of an FIR against the judge. He also praised the CJI for maintaining transparency by making official communications and the video of the burnt currency notes public.
Another petitioner argued that had such a huge amount of cash been found with a businessman, central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate or the Income Tax Department would have acted swiftly.
The petition challenges the Supreme Court’s 1991 K Veeraswami vs Union of India judgment, which mandates prior approval from the Chief Justice of India before registering a criminal case under Section 154 of the CrPC against a sitting High Court or Supreme Court judge.
According to the plea, this ruling has effectively created a privileged class of individuals who appear immune from the general penal laws. “While most judges are known for their integrity and erudition, incidents like the case of Justice Nirmal Yadav or the recent allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma cannot be ignored. The existing precedent prevents FIRs even in serious offences, including cases involving POCSO,” the petition states.
The matter remains under review, with the Supreme Court expected to hear it on the next scheduled date.
