Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Seeking FIR Against Justice Yashwant Varma

The Supreme Court of India, on a petition regarding the filing of an FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court, ruled the plea to be premature.

The petition, filed by an advocate, called for police action after a significant incident involving Justice Varma’s residence.

The Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Abhay S Oka, remarked that the internal inquiry into the matter must first conclude before any further action is considered.

Petitioner Raises Concerns Over Lack Of FIR

The petitioner raised concerns over the lack of an FIR and pointed out that the media was widely discussing the issue.

The petition also challenged the authority of the three-member committee formed by CJI Sanjeev Khanna to investigate the matter, arguing that the event fell under provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

The petition sought the application of criminal law and a proper investigation into the matter.

The incident in question occurred on March 14, 2025, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official residence, while he was away.

Emergency services later discovered a significant amount of money at the scene, sparking public concern. Justice Varma has denied any involvement, calling it a conspiracy against him.

SC Emphasizes The Need For Ongoing Inquiry

In light of the ongoing inquiry, the bench stated that it would consider any future actions, including the filing of an FIR, only after the inquiry results are made public.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s response followed earlier submissions by the petitioner, who raised concerns that similar cases involving ordinary citizens would have prompted investigations by agencies like the CBI and ED.

The bench, however, emphasized the necessity of respecting ongoing internal processes before taking legal action.

A significant development followed when the Delhi High Court, under Supreme Court orders, reassigned judicial work from Justice Varma on March 24, 2025.

This step came in response to growing concerns over the incident, alongside the backlash from judicial associations.

On March 25, 2025, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association began an indefinite strike in protest of the decision to transfer Justice Varma.

This event has sparked widespread debate over the accountability of judges and the application of law to those in the judiciary.

The case continues to unfold, with public scrutiny and legal discussions highlighting the tension between judicial accountability and legal protection for judges.

The resolution of this matter will have significant implications for the functioning of the judiciary and its transparency in India.

Also Read: Supreme Court Quashes FIR Against Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi; Upholds Freedom Of Expression