New Delhi: Former Attorney General of India, Mukul Rohatgi, has emphasized the need for a detailed investigation regarding claims that a stash of cash was discovered on the property of Justice Yashwant Varma from the Delhi High Court. In an interview, Rohatgi mentioned that this situation "does not seem like a simple case."
He expressed confusion over the Supreme Court’s recent transfer of Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court, stating that the legal reasons behind the move remain unclear. The Supreme Court clarified that this transfer is not connected to the ongoing inquiry about the alleged cash stash.
In the interview, Rohatgi was asked about the Supreme Court’s declaration that the transfer of Justice Varma was unrelated to the cash allegations. He responded, “It’s hard to believe that the transfer is not tied to the cash issue. The main concern is not where he sits, whether in Delhi or Allahabad, as he currently has no judicial work. What matters is getting to the truth—whether the judge is guilty or innocent, as his reputation is at stake. There are many unresolved questions in this case that need answers.”
The discussion has reached the Parliament level, with MPs highlighting that if the individual in question were not a judge—say a politician or bureaucrat—there would likely be a criminal investigation. Rohatgi insisted that the situation concerning judges is different, as judges regularly face public scrutiny due to their decision-making roles. He pointed out that many complaints against judges are filed every day, but not every complaint can lead to a police investigation. He noted the importance of retaining judicial independence and the necessity for an internal review process, while also stating that serious complaints should still be investigated thoroughly.
He stated that visuals of the burnt cash circulating in the public domain have certainly harmed the judiciary’s image. Rohatgi questioned the lack of proper follow-up on the alleged cash recovery and the apparent destruction of evidence. He expressed concern about the efficiency of the police investigation, stating that a more elaborate forensic investigation with evidence from various departments is required to resolve the matter.
Rohatgi stressed that the incident underscores a broader issue regarding how judges are appointed and disciplined. He criticized the existing cumbersome impeachment process as outdated and suggested a need for a more effective and transparent system to handle such serious allegations, arguing that delays in justice could severely undermine the trust in the judicial system.
He proposed that there should be a form of oversight that includes individuals of notable integrity from outside the judiciary to help restore public confidence in the appointment and disciplinary processes of judges, aiming to create a more transparent system.
Discussion also turned to a protest by lawyers at Allahabad High Court against Justice Varma’s transfer. Rohatgi noted that he considers the protest premature and believes it’s essential to wait for the facts and findings of the investigation before jumping to conclusions.
Overall, Rohatgi urged for actions that bring clarity and transparency to the judiciary, spotlighting the importance of integrity within the legal system to maintain public trust.
