SC Rejects PIL Seeking FIR Over Cash Discovery at Delhi HC Judge’s Residence

PTI, NEW DELHI, MARCH 28, 2025 :  Calling it "premature," the Supreme Court on Friday rejected a PIL seeking the registration of an FIR by Delhi Police over the alleged discovery of burnt wads of cash at the official residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma.

A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan stated that an in-house inquiry was already in progress and that multiple options would be available to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) after the investigation concluded.

"We have seen the prayers. After the in-house inquiry is over, several options are open. If the report indicates wrongdoing, the CJI can direct the registration of an FIR or refer the matter to Parliament," the court said.

Advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara, who filed the PIL, argued that investigation is not the court’s job and should be conducted by the police. However, the court dismissed the petition, stating:

"As far as the grievance regarding Justice Varma is concerned, as seen from the Supreme Court website, an in-house procedure is in progress. Once the report is submitted, several options will be open to the Chief Justice of India. At this stage, it is not appropriate to entertain this writ petition."

The petition was disposed of by the court, leaving open the possibility of future legal action based on the findings of the in-house inquiry.