Contradictions in Unaccounted Cash Case at Justice Yashwant Varma’s Residence

The Supreme Court of India has taken an unprecedented step by releasing documents, photographs, and a video clip related to the unaccounted cash found at Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence after a fire incident. The released documents include reports by the Delhi High Court Chief Justice, the police, and the Delhi HC’s registrar, as well as Justice Varma’s response.

Justice Yashwant Varma has denied keeping cash in the storeroom that caught fire on 14th March. However, official reports and his response present multiple contradictions, raising concerns about the incident.

Key Contradictions in the Case

1. Who Reported the Fire?

Justice Varma, in his response to Delhi HC Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, stated that he was in Madhya Pradesh with his wife when the fire broke out, and only his mother and daughter were at home. He claimed that his daughter and private secretary alerted the fire service, and their calls would be duly recorded.

However, the Delhi Police report contradicts this. According to the police, no direct call was made to the fire service, only a PCR call was made by Justice Varma’s private secretary. The police state that the fire service was automatically informed via this PCR call, which led to firefighters reaching the location.

2. Was the Storeroom Locked or Unlocked?

Justice Varma claimed that the storeroom was unlocked and accessible to everyone. He described it as a common storage area for furniture, bottles, carpets, speakers, and CPWD materials. He also dismissed the idea that anyone would store cash in such an openly accessible place.

However, the Delhi Police contradicts this. The Commissioner of Police stated that the storeroom was kept locked. This is significant because the storeroom is adjacent to the Guard Room where CRPF (Battalion 70F) personnel are posted.

3. What Happened to the Cash?

Justice Varma has categorically denied the presence of any cash in the storeroom. He stated that his daughter and house members were not shown any sacks of cash after the fire. He also said that when he returned, no cash was found, which aligns with the Delhi HC registrar’s report from 15th March evening that no cash was seen in the storeroom.

However, police reports and eyewitness accounts say otherwise:

• The Police Commissioner’s report to the Delhi HC Chief Justice confirmed that 4-5 half-burnt sacks were found in the storeroom after the fire.
• Remnants of burnt Indian currency notes were found inside these sacks.
• The police report also states that debris and half-burnt items, including the burnt cash, were removed the next morning (15th March).

Additionally, the Chief Justice of Delhi HC’s report states that only those residing in the bungalow, servants, gardeners, and CPWD personnel had access to the room. He concluded that the matter warrants a deeper probe.

Conflicting Statements from Fire Department

While the fire service was the first to report the presence of burnt cash, Delhi Fire Services Chief Atul Garg initially denied that cash was found during the operation. However, a day later, he retracted his statement, clarifying that he never said no cash was found.

Concerns Over Transparency and Accountability

The fire occurred on 14th March, and while courts acted immediately, the matter was only made public on 20th March, raising concerns about a lack of transparency.

Reports also suggest that police and fire personnel who recorded videos of the cash were ordered to delete them, keeping only a single original copy. While multiple videos were allegedly taken, the Supreme Court has released only one.

Supreme Court’s Response

The Supreme Court has now set up a three-member committee to investigate the matter. As more details emerge, questions remain over the source of the unaccounted cash, the contradictions in statements, and the handling of evidence by authorities.

This case has become a significant test of judicial accountability and the credibility of investigative agencies in India.