‘Wild witch hunt’: Delhi High Court junks plea seeking FIR against Justice Varma

On Monday, the Delhi High Court declined to consider a plea requesting the registration of an FIR and a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation or a Special Investigation Team into the reported cash discovered at Justice Yashwant Varma's official residence in March of the previous year. The court dismissed the petition filed by advocate Ghanshyam Dayalu Upadhyay, labeling it a "wild witch hunt" and questioning the petitioner's lack of constructive activities.

In August, the Supreme Court had similarly dismissed a comparable petition by Upadhyay, stating that his query seemed to seek "cheap publicity." Upadhyay attempted to withdraw his plea on Friday, but the Delhi High Court ultimately rejected his request. Cash bundles were allegedly found at the outhouse of Justice Varma's official residence in Delhi during a fire on March 14.

Following the discovery, a three-judge internal inquiry was launched, leading to Varma's removal from duty and not reassigning any judicial responsibilities. The investigation confirmed the allegations and submitted its report to the President and Prime Minister for further action. Parliament introduced impeachment motions against Varma in August, resulting in an inquiry panel formation under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 after 146 Lok Sabha MPs submitted a removal motion.

In April, Justice Varma resigned, and the parliamentary inquiry committee's report, presented in parliament in August, concluded that all three charges against him were proven. These charges comprised the discovery and possession of "substantial unexplained Rs 500 denomination currency notes," failure to preserve and tamper with evidence, and "evasive and misleading explanations" that lacked the expected candor and transparency from a public servant.

Justice Varma has consistently denied any involvement in the cash and alleged a conspiracy against him, claiming the currency was planted in the storeroom of his residence.