SC calls plea seeking FIR over cash discovery row involving Justice Yashwant Varma 'premature'

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea seeking the registration of an FIR over the recent cash discovery row involving Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma.

The top court bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan called the application "premature" and said that an in-house inquiry was already underway, and it could not interfere with the ongoing internal process at this stage.

"Once the in-house inquiry is complete, all sorts of resources are open. If required the CJI can direct the registration of FIR. Why should we go into this today?" the bench questioned.


A three-judge committee, formed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, is set to fast-track its investigation into the allegations against the Delhi High Court judge, ET reported on Thursday.

The committee, which began its probe on Tuesday, will remain in New Delhi for the coming days to continue examining the case. The judges will review all available evidence and will also question Justice Varma as part of their inquiry.

Sources close to the development told ET that the objective is to complete the inquiry swiftly, ensuring no delays or the perception that the truth is being concealed.

The investigation, however, will not follow the formal judicial process, meaning there will be no cross-examination of witnesses or lawyer representation during the fact-finding phase.

Earlier, the apex court had directed the transfer of Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court - a decision that had been criticised by a body of concerned legal professionals and advocacy groups. Several prominent lawyer associations had voiced concerns and claimed that the transfer to a different jurisdiction could introduce unnecessary complications.