The Delhi High Court has announced the reconstitution of its administrative committees, a decision that comes amidst a controversy surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma. The circular, which was uploaded to the high court’s website, stated that the changes to the Committees of Hon’ble Judges of this Court are with immediate effect.
Justice Varma, a senior judge, was a member of the collegium and several key administrative committees within the high court. He was part of more than 10 committees, including those pertaining to administrative and general supervision, court development and planning, the State Court Management System, and the arbitration committee of the Delhi International Arbitration Centre (DIAC). He also headed the Committee for Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence.
The reconstitution follows allegations related to the discovery of a significant amount of cash at Justice Varma’s residence after a fire on March 14. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna set up a three-member committee on March 22 to conduct an in-house inquiry into the allegations. Justice Varma has denied the accusations, calling them “totally preposterous” and claiming a conspiracy to malign him.
The Supreme Court Collegium, in its meetings held on March 20 and 24, recommended the repatriation of Justice Yashwant Varma to the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. On March 24, the Delhi High Court withdrew judicial work from Justice Varma with immediate effect.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Justice Varma’s continued presence in crucial bodies would have led to an operational deadlock.
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has opposed Justice Varma’s transfer and demanded a review of his judgments during his tenure as a judge at Allahabad HC as well as Delhi HC.
