New Delhi, May 19, (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to urgently hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking the registration of an FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma, following serious allegations arising from the recovery of a large amount of unaccounted cash from his official residence.

A Bench, led by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, took note of the plea filed by Advocate Mathews Nedumpara, stating it will be listed on May 21, subject to curing of procedural defects.

The PIL comes in the wake of an in-house committee’s reported indictment of Justice Varma and the forwarding of its findings to the President of India by the outgoing Chief Justice of India on May eight, 2025.

Despite more than a week having passed since the alleged recovery, no FIR has been registered, the petitioner pointed out.

Filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, the petition raises serious concerns over the delay in initiating criminal proceedings and stresses the importance of preserving key evidence.

The plea also claims that the recovered currency described as “burned, partly burned, and clandestinely removed” is indicative of offences punishable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Citing the 1991 Supreme Court judgment in K Veeraswami versus Union of India, which mandates prior consultation with the Chief Justice of India before lodging any criminal case against a sitting High Court or Supreme Court judge, the petition added, “There is no official explanation as to why no FIR has been registered. The failure to initiate criminal law proceedings, including seizure of currency notes and arrest of suspects, raises grave concerns.”

While acknowledging that the majority of judges uphold high standards of integrity and independence, the plea notes that recent incidents such as the conviction of Justice Nirmal Yadav in a bribery case and the current allegations against Justice Varma underscore the need for transparent accountability in the judiciary.

The petition urges the apex court to act swiftly to ensure evidence is not destroyed or tampered with, stating, “The people of this country expected the police to register an FIR nay, the Chief Justice to grant permission to the police for registration of the FIR without any further delay.”

This is the second time the petitioner has moved the Supreme Court seeking action on the matter.

UNI SNG SS