By – Aditya Shrivastava
New Delhi, June 20, 2025 — In a major judicial controversy shaking the legal corridors of the country, a three-member committee constituted by the Supreme Court has submitted a damning report confirming serious allegations against Justice Yashwant Verma of the Delhi High Court. The report, now leaked to the public, states that burnt currency notes were indeed recovered from the store room of the judge’s official residence, raising serious questions about propriety, trust, and constitutional conduct.
🔎 Who is Justice Yashwant Verma?
Justice Yashwant Verma, 56, was appointed to the Delhi High Court on October 11, 2021. According to the Delhi High Court’s website, he enrolled as an advocate on August 8, 1992, and served as Additional Judge in Allahabad High Court from October 13, 2014. He became a permanent judge on February 1, 2016.
🧨 What Sparked the Investigation?
On March 23, 2025, burnt ₹500 notes were discovered in a garbage pile near the judge’s official bungalow in New Delhi. The images went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage. The Supreme Court promptly took cognizance and, on March 22, constituted a three-member inquiry panel comprising:
- Justice Sheel Nagu (Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court)
- Justice G.S. Sandhawalia (Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh High Court)
- Justice Anu Sivaraman (Judge, Karnataka High Court)
The panel was given 10 days to complete its investigation and submitted its report to then-Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
📜 What Did the Report Find?
The 64-page report provides detailed answers to 10 key questions. Here are the main findings:
1️⃣ How long did the investigation last and how many witnesses were questioned?
The panel conducted the inquiry over 10 days, interviewing 55 witnesses. They also visited the location in the judge’s residence where the fire allegedly broke out and notes were found. Statements and evidence were shared with Justice Verma under the principles of natural justice.
2️⃣ Were burnt notes actually found at Justice Verma’s residence?
Yes. Multiple eyewitnesses, including police, fire department officials, and residence staff confirmed seeing partially burnt notes. At least 10 witnesses testified to this. Photos and videos collected from the scene supported their claims.
The panel concluded that burnt currency notes were indeed found inside the store room of Justice Verma’s official bungalow.
3️⃣ Was the store room under Justice Verma’s control?
Yes. The panel established that the store room was under active control of Justice Verma and his family. No outsider could access it without permission. Objections that it was “outside the main building” were dismissed.
4️⃣ What was Justice Verma’s defense?
Justice Verma denied all allegations, claiming it was a conspiracy. However, he failed to offer a credible explanation for the presence of the burnt cash. He did not produce CCTV footage, did not report the incident himself, and did not preserve digital evidence despite being informed about the photos and videos on March 17.
5️⃣ What happened to the cash? Was it collected as evidence?
The committee said there was no satisfactory explanation from Justice Verma or any of the witnesses regarding where the burnt cash went. Based on available evidence and the judge’s lack of accountability, the panel concluded that the trust vested in him was broken.
6️⃣ Was there CCTV footage?
Justice Verma claimed the CCTV cameras were not functional. However, the committee raised doubts about this explanation, pointing out that no steps were taken to preserve data or prove malfunction prior to the incident.
7️⃣ Was access to the store room restricted?
Security personnel contradicted claims that the room was freely accessible. According to two CRPF guards, the door to the store room was locked at the time of the fire and had to be forcibly opened — indicating it was kept secured, especially when the judge and his wife were away.
8️⃣ What did private staff say?
Some personal staff members claimed the room was not always locked, but none could confirm entering it. Others said the store room was usually locked. Their inconsistent statements weakened the defense.
9️⃣ Are the electronic evidences authentic?
Yes. The photographs and videos were confirmed to be genuine by the forensic lab in Chandigarh. One video, which went viral, featured a voice saying, “Mahatma Gandhi is burning.” This was confirmed by fire officer Manoj Mehlawat (Witness No. 6) to be his voice as he observed the burnt ₹500 notes.
🔟 What are the final recommendations of the panel?
The panel stated that misconduct had been proven. It recommended initiating proceedings to remove Justice Verma from office, citing loss of public trust. The report concludes:
“When the government allots an official residence to a public servant, it becomes their responsibility to ensure that no suspicious or illicit activities take place within it. Justice Verma has violated this principle.”
⚖️ What Happens Next?
The report paves the way for impeachment or forced resignation under Article 124(4) of the Constitution. The ball now lies in the court of the President, the Chief Justice of India, and the legislature.
The judiciary, known for its integrity, is now under intense public scrutiny. The case underscores the need for transparency and accountability, even at the highest echelons of power.
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