The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused an urgent hearing on a plea demanding an FIR against Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma over the alleged discovery of semi-burnt cash at his residence.
Lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara requested Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna to list the matter urgently, saying it was of public interest. However, the Chief Justice, who has stopped the practice of oral mentioning, said the plea would come up in due course.
A co-petitioner pointed out that if a common citizen was involved, agencies like the CBI and ED would have intervened. The Chief Justice dismissed further arguments, stating the matter would be heard as per procedure.
The petition also challenges the 1991 K Veeraswami case ruling, which requires prior approval from the Chief Justice of India before initiating criminal proceedings against judges.
The controversy arose after a fire at Justice Varma’s Lutyens Delhi residence on March 14. A Supreme Court-appointed committee has since begun an inquiry. The court’s Collegium has recommended his repatriation to the Allahabad High Court.
Justice Varma has denied the allegations, stating neither he nor his family had any cash in the storeroom.
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