Supreme Court Scrutinises Justice Varma’s Cash-in-Fire Case
The Supreme Court on Monday, July 28, 2025, expressed strong reservations regarding a petition filed by Justice Varma challenging an inquiry report into unaccounted cash discovered at his residence following a fire incident. The bench questioned the judge’s participation in the inquiry if he genuinely believed the process to be unlawful.
The court found the petition’s structure lacking in clarity and substance. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Justice Varma, argued for the protection of his client’s privacy, citing constitutional safeguards.
However, the judges pointed out a crucial omission: the petition failed to directly deny the presence of unaccounted cash or the occurrence of the fire itself. This lack of denial, the court observed, significantly weakened the petition’s arguments.
The case highlights the delicate balance between judicial propriety and individual rights. The Supreme Court’s scrutiny underscores the importance of transparency and accountability, even within the judiciary, and raises critical questions about the handling of such sensitive matters. The proceedings will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for future inquiries involving high-ranking officials.
