A Shocking Discovery in the Judiciary
The Indian judiciary has been rocked by controversy after a large amount of unaccounted cash was found at the official residence of Justice Yashwant Verma of the Delhi High Court. The discovery, which occurred during the Holi vacations, has prompted immediate action from the Supreme Court Collegium, leading to his transfer back to the Allahabad High Court.
This incident adds to a history of judicial corruption scandals in India, including the Provident Fund Scam in 2008, which implicated judges in embezzling funds, and the Justice Karnan case in 2017, where a sitting judge was sentenced to jail for contempt of court. The latest scandal raises serious concerns about judicial integrity and transparency.
The Incident: How the Cash Was Discovered
The unaccounted cash at Justice Verma’s residence was found after a fire broke out in the building. Since the judge was not in the city at the time, his family members called emergency services, who then alerted the police. Upon investigation, authorities discovered a large sum of unexplained cash.
The information was escalated through official channels to Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who convened a five-member Supreme Court Collegium to address the matter. Sources suggest that the Chief Justice took the discovery very seriously, leading to Justice Verma’s immediate transfer.
Collegium’s Response: A Call for Stricter Action
While the Collegium unanimously agreed on the transfer of Justice Verma, some members felt that merely relocating him was insufficient. They debated stronger measures, such as demanding his resignation or initiating an internal inquiry, which could lead to his eventual removal by Parliament.
If further action is taken, it could mark a significant moment in judicial accountability, demonstrating that misconduct—even at the highest levels—will not go unchecked.
How High Court Judges Can Be Removed
The Indian judiciary follows strict procedures for the removal of judges, as outlined in 1999 Supreme Court guidelines:
- Complaint & Initial Review: Upon receiving a complaint, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) first seeks a response from the accused judge.
- Internal Committee Investigation: If the response is unsatisfactory, the CJI can form a committee comprising one Supreme Court judge and two High Court Chief Justices to investigate.
- Resignation or Removal: If the inquiry finds serious misconduct, the CJI may ask the judge to resign. If the judge refuses, the CJI can request the government to initiate removal proceedings under Article 124(4) of the Constitution.
Judicial Corruption Concerns: Kapil Sibal’s Reaction
Prominent lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal reacted strongly to the scandal, urging the Supreme Court to review its judicial appointment process.
“The issue of corruption within the judiciary is very serious… This has been going on for years,” Sibal stated. He called for greater transparency in judicial appointments and emphasized that corruption in the judiciary is a national concern, despite claims by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the government is actively combating corruption.
A Test for Judicial Integrity
The Supreme Court Collegium’s handling of Justice Verma’s case will set a precedent for judicial accountability in India. The discovery of unaccounted cash at a sitting judge’s residence raises serious ethical concerns and highlights the need for reforms in judicial oversight and appointments. Whether further action is taken beyond his transfer will determine how seriously the judiciary upholds its integrity. For now, the case serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with delivering justice must remain above suspicion.
(With inputs from agencies)
