A fire at the residence of a sitting Delhi High Court judge has led to a shocking discovery—a large amount of cash stored inside the house. This incident has raised concerns about judicial integrity and prompted the Supreme Court Collegium to act swiftly by transferring the judge to his parent High Court.

The Incident: The fire broke out at the house of Justice Yashwant Varma, bringing emergency responders to the scene. While putting out the fire, officials found a significant stash of cash, leading to questions about its source and purpose. Authorities are now investigating whether there was any financial misconduct.

In response, the Supreme Court Collegium decided to transfer Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court. However, some members believe that simply transferring the judge without a full inquiry could harm public trust. They argue for a thorough investigation to maintain judicial accountability.

Legal experts stress the need for an in-house inquiry to ensure transparency. The Chief Justice of India (CJI) can order such an investigation, though the judge may refuse to cooperate. 

Past cases, such as the 2008 cash delivery scandal involving Justice Nirmal Yadav, show that judicial misconduct is taken seriously, and further legal action could follow.

The discovery of cash at a judge’s home raises serious ethical concerns. Legal experts and activists stress the importance of transparency to maintain public confidence in the judiciary. If not properly addressed, incidents like this can damage the institution’s credibility.