E-Paper
CJI constitutes 3-member panel to probe allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma
The purported discovery of a huge stash of cash happened following a fire at Justice Varma's Delhi residence at around 11.35 pm on Holi night on March 14
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Saturday constituted a three-member committee to conduct an inquiry into allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, after alleged cash was recovered from the latter's official residence.
The three-member panel comprises Justices Sheel Nagu, GS Sandhawalia and Anu Sivaraman. Justice Varma's judicial work has been withdrawn during the inquiry.
Earlier in the day, Delhi high court Chief Justice D K Updhyay submitted a report to the CJI in connection with the case.
Justice Upadhyay had commenced the in-house enquiry procedure collecting evidence and information in the incident and submitted his report on Friday, PTI reported.
The apex court collegium will examine the report and may initiate further action.
The purported discovery of a huge stash of cash happened following a fire at Justice Varma's Lutyens Delhi residence at around 11.35 pm on Holi night on March 14, prompting the Delhi fire department personnel to rush to the spot and douse it.
ALSO READ: CJI briefs SC judges on justice Varma case, says transfer is just the beginning
Supreme Court said Justice Varma's transfer ‘separate’
The top court in a statement on Friday had said the Delhi High Court chief justice had initiated an in-house inquiry against him and the proposal to transfer him to the Allahabad High Court was separate.
"There is misinformation and rumours being spread with regard to the incident at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma," the statement said.
Upon receiving the information, the apex court said Justice Upadhyaya "commenced the in-house enquiry procedure collecting evidence and information".
Justice Upadhyaya was stated to have commenced the enquiry prior to the collegium meeting on March 20.
The apex court said the proposal for transferring him was examined by the apex court collegium comprising the CJI and four senior-most judges on March 20, and thereafter letters were shot off to the consultee judges of the top court, the chief justices of the high courts concerned apart from Justice Varma.
"Responses received will be examined and, thereupon, the collegium will pass a resolution," the court said.
(With PTI inputs)
.
