Justice Yashwant Varma flags “unfairness”, challenges evidence before inquiry panel

Justice Yashwant Varma flags “unfairness”, questions evidence in letter to probe panel

Yashwant Varma has raised serious concerns over the fairness of the inquiry against him, alleging procedural lapses and questionable evidence in a letter to a Lok Sabha-appointed panel.

The April 9 communication came alongside his resignation to Droupadi Murmu, effectively bringing the parliamentary probe to a close. The inquiry had been initiated after unaccounted cash was discovered at his official Delhi residence following a fire in March 2025.

“Predetermined” process, claims Varma

In his 13-page letter, Justice Varma described the proceedings as “marked by unfairness from the outset” and claimed the outcome appeared predetermined.

The panel — comprising Supreme Court judge Aravind Kumar, Bombay High Court Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and senior advocate BV Acharya — had, he alleged, formed conclusions before giving him a proper opportunity to respond.

Doubts over evidence

Justice Varma questioned the credibility of key evidence, particularly video recordings that allegedly showed cash at his residence.

He said the footage was recorded without his knowledge, lacked authentication and did not meet the standards required to establish a clear link between him and the cash. He also flagged concerns over the chain of custody of the material.

‘No fair opportunity’

The judge maintained that he was denied a meaningful chance to defend himself, with critical safeguards either weakened or overlooked during the inquiry.

He also criticised what he called public “vilification”, saying the circulation of videos and a “sensational narrative” had undermined the presumption of innocence.

Resigns, reiterates denial

Reiterating that he had no connection to the cash, Justice Varma said he stepped down with “deepest sadness”. He added that he hoped “history will one day record the unfairness” that, according to him, marked the proceedings from the beginning.