'Investigation Was Improper': Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul Questions Probe Into Justice Yashwant Varma
Former SC Judge Sanjay Kishan Kaul claims the investigation into Justice Yashwant Varma was improper despite the recovery of burnt cash.
Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul has raised serious concerns regarding the investigation process conducted against Justice Yashwant Varma. The controversy centers on the discovery of unaccounted and partially burnt cash at the official residence of Justice Varma, who was a sitting judge of the Delhi High Court at the time of the incident on August 12, 2025.
A Cloud of Suspicion and Burnt Cash
The case took a dramatic turn when an internal inquiry led former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna to recommend to the Prime Minister and the President of India that procedures for Justice Varma's removal be initiated. While Justice Yashwant Varma resigned from his position on April 10, the legal and political scrutiny did not cease.
A three-member inquiry committee, established by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, eventually indicted Justice Varma. Although the committee's report was tabled in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon Session on August 12, a political standoff between the treasury and opposition benches prevented any formal discussion on the matter.
Justice Kaul's Critique: 'Too Many Ifs and Buts'
Speaking to ANI, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul expressed his deep unease with how the investigation was handled. He pointed out a glaring gap in the probe: the failure to determine the cause of the fire that led to the cash being partially burnt.
"I felt the investigation was improper because somebody would have found out at least the cause of the fire," Justice Kaul stated. "That case is something which has troubled me a lot because it came from a person from a very good legal background. No complaints in Allahabad. No complaints in Delhi ever."
Justice Kaul further questioned the logistics of the incident, noting that the room where the cash was found was relatively new. He remarked that there were "too many questions, too many ifs and buts" surrounding the evidence. While he acknowledged that the recovery of money indicates a need for a thorough investigation, he suggested that Justice Varma was "damned completely" without a proper inquiry into the circumstances.
Political Fallout and Impeachment Efforts
The case has resonated strongly within the halls of Parliament. Last year, a significant coalition of 145 Lok Sabha members signed an impeachment motion against Justice Varma, invoking Articles 124, 217, and 218 of the Constitution.
The memorandum saw broad cross-party support, with signatures from members of:
- Congress
- TDP, JDU, and JD(S)
- Jana Sena Party and AGP
- Shiv Sena (Shinde)
- Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)
- SKP and CPI(M)
What Happens Next?
The matter now rests with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The Speaker is expected to consult with various political parties before making a formal pronouncement on the issue during the next session of Parliament.