On March 14, 2025, a fire broke out at the official residence of Justice Yashwant Varma in Delhi. This incident brought him into the spotlight for unexpected reasons. Firefighters found burnt cash in a storeroom, raising questions about judicial accountability. Justice Yashwant Varma is a well-known judge in India. His life and career are filled with achievements. This article tells the story of his journey in simple words. It covers his early life, education, legal career, and recent events. Let’s dive into the life of this remarkable judge.
Early Life And Family
Justice Yashwant Varma was born on January 6, 1969, in Allahabad, now called Prayagraj, in Uttar Pradesh. His father, A.N. Varma, was also a judge at the Allahabad High Court. Growing up in a family connected to law shaped his interests. As a child, he saw his father work with honesty and dedication. This inspired him to follow a similar path. Prayagraj is a city known for its rich history and legal heritage. Young Yashwant grew up in this vibrant environment. He was curious and hardworking from a young age. His family supported his dreams of becoming a lawyer.
Education And Early Dreams
Justice Varma went to Hansraj College at Delhi University. He studied for a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree. He was a bright student who enjoyed learning. After completing his commerce degree, he wanted to study law. He joined Awadhesh Pratap Singh University in Madhya Pradesh. There, he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree. His education gave him a strong foundation in law. He learned about constitutional law, corporate law, and taxation. These subjects would later become his areas of expertise. His college years were a time of growth. He worked hard to prepare for a career in law.
Justice Yashwant Varma Age, Wiki, Biography, Caste, Wife, Daughter
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Justice Yashwant Varma |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1969 |
| Place of Birth | Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Family Background | Father: A.N. Varma, former judge at Allahabad High Court |
| Education | - Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), Hansraj College, Delhi University - Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Awadhesh Pratap Singh University, Madhya Pradesh |
| Career Start | Enrolled as an advocate in August 1992 at Allahabad High Court |
| Areas of Legal Practice | Constitutional law, corporate law, taxation, labor, and industrial law |
| Key Legal Roles | - Special Counsel, Allahabad High Court (2006) - Chief Standing Counsel, Uttar Pradesh (2012–2013) - Senior Advocate, Allahabad High Court (2013) |
| Judicial Appointments | - Additional Judge, Allahabad High Court (October 2014) - Permanent Judge, Allahabad High Court (February 1, 2016) - Transferred to Delhi High Court (October 2021) |
| Notable Judgments | - Ruled PayPal as “payment system operator” under PMLA - Dismissed INC petitions on income tax probes - Granted bail to Dr. Kafeel Khan (2018) |
| Recent Controversy | - Fire at residence (March 14, 2025), Delhi, burnt cash found, Justice Varma denied knowledge |
| Investigation | - Supreme Court 3-member committee (March 22, 2025): Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, Justice Anu Sivaraman - Impeachment recommended (May 2025) |
| Impeachment Process | - Report sent to President/PM (May 8, 2025) - Justice Varma refused to resign, questioned evidence - First potential judicial impeachment |
| Public Reaction | - Debate on accountability - Allahabad High Court Bar Association opposed his return - Calls for reforms |
| Personal Life | - Wife and daughter (Diya Varma) - Described as patient, humorous, fair by colleagues |
| Legacy | - Respected for landmark rulings - Fire incident reignited debate on judicial ethics and accountability |
Starting His Legal Career
In August 1992, Yashwant Varma became an advocate. He enrolled at the Allahabad High Court. He was only 23 years old. As a young lawyer, he took on many types of cases. He worked on constitutional law, labor disputes, and corporate matters. He also handled taxation and industrial law cases. His clients trusted him because he was thorough and honest. He spent hours studying cases to give his best. His dedication made him stand out. Over the years, he built a strong reputation as a skilled lawyer. His colleagues admired his knowledge and work ethic.
Rising Through the Ranks
Justice Varma’s talent did not go unnoticed. In 2006, he became Special Counsel for the Allahabad High Court. This was a big achievement. He advised the court on important legal matters. From 2012 to 2013, he served as Chief Standing Counsel for Uttar Pradesh. This role was even more prestigious. He represented the state government in court. In 2013, the Allahabad High Court named him a Senior Advocate. This title is given to lawyers with exceptional skills. These roles showed his growing influence in the legal world. He was known for his sharp mind and fair approach.
Becoming a Judge
In October 2014, Yashwant Varma’s career took a major leap. He was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court. This was a proud moment for him and his family. On February 1, 2016, he became a Permanent Judge. As a judge, he handled many important cases. His rulings were clear and well-reasoned. He focused on constitutional law, corporate law, and taxation. His decisions helped shape legal practices in India. In October 2021, he was transferred to the Delhi High Court. There, he became one of the senior-most judges. His work earned him respect from lawyers and judges alike.
Notable Judgments
Justice Varma delivered several landmark rulings. In one case, he ruled that PayPal is a “payment system operator” under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This meant PayPal had to follow strict rules for keeping records. In another case, he dismissed petitions by the Indian National Congress. He allowed the Income Tax Department to investigate the party’s income. He also granted bail to Dr. Kafeel Khan in 2018. Dr. Khan was accused in the Gorakhpur hospital tragedy. Justice Varma found no direct evidence against him. These rulings showed his commitment to fairness. His decisions often set important legal precedents.
The Fire Incident and Controversy
On March 14, 2025, a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official residence in Delhi. The address was 30 Tughlak Crescent. Firefighters arrived to put out the flames. They found burnt currency notes in a storeroom. This discovery shocked everyone. Reports said the cash was unaccounted for. Justice Varma was not in Delhi at the time. His family called the fire brigade. The news spread quickly, and questions arose. Why was there so much cash? Who did it belong to? Justice Varma denied knowing about the money. He said the storeroom was open to staff and others. He called the idea of storing cash there “incredible.”
The Supreme Court took the matter seriously. On March 22, 2025, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna formed a three-member committee. The committee included Justice Sheel Nagu, Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, and Justice Anu Sivaraman. They were tasked with investigating the allegations. The committee visited Justice Varma’s residence. They spoke to witnesses and checked CCTV footage. Their report, released in May 2025, was damning. It said the storeroom was under Justice Varma’s control. It also said burnt cash was removed from the scene. The committee recommended impeachment proceedings against him.
The Impeachment Recommendation
On May 8, 2025, the Chief Justice sent the committee’s report to the President and Prime Minister. The report suggested starting removal proceedings against Justice Varma. This was a rare and serious step. Impeachment is a process to remove a judge for misconduct. No judge in India has been removed this way since the Constitution was adopted. Justice Varma refused to resign, unlike some other judges in similar situations. He denied the allegations and questioned the evidence. He said the video of burnt cash was not verified. He also asked why the police took 17 hours to inform the Chief Justice.
Public And Legal Reactions
The incident sparked a debate about judicial accountability. Some lawyers defended Justice Varma. They called him a fair and honest judge. They said the fire might be a setup to harm his reputation. Others demanded transparency. Senior advocate Indira Jaising asked the Supreme Court to reveal the exact amount of cash found. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha. He called for stronger judicial accountability measures. The Allahabad High Court Bar Association passed a resolution. They opposed Justice Varma’s transfer back to their court. They also called for impeachment proceedings.
Impact on the Judiciary
This case is a turning point for India’s judiciary. It raises questions about how judges are held accountable. The Supreme Court’s quick response shows its commitment to integrity. However, the lack of a clear process for such cases is a concern. For example, the CCTV footage was sealed 10 days after the fire. This delay raised doubts about evidence preservation. Legal experts say India needs a better system. They suggest an independent body to investigate judges. They also want a clear code of ethics and faster processes.
Personal Life
Little is known about Justice Varma’s family. His wife and daughter, Diya Varma, stay out of the public eye. Reports mentioned his daughter and private secretary, Rajinder Singh Karki, in the fire incident. They were accused of removing burnt cash. Both denied the claims. Justice Varma’s private life remains private, which is rare for someone in his position. His focus has always been on his work. His colleagues describe him as patient, humorous, and fair.
Legacy And Future
Justice Yashwant Varma’s career is a mix of brilliance and controversy. His rulings shaped India’s legal system. He earned respect for his knowledge and fairness. Yet, the fire incident has cast a shadow. The impeachment process will decide his future. If removed, he will be the first judge impeached in India. If cleared, he may continue his work. Either way, this case will change how India views judicial accountability. It will push for reforms to make the system stronger.
Conclusion
Justice Yashwant Varma’s life is a story of hard work and dedication. Born in a city of law, he rose to become a respected judge. His journey from a young advocate to a High Court judge is inspiring. His rulings on taxation, corporate law, and constitutional matters made a mark. But the fire incident of March 14, 2025, changed everything. It brought questions about trust and accountability. As the investigation continues, India watches closely. This case is not just about one judge. It is about the future of justice in the country. Justice Varma’s story reminds us that even the most respected can face challenges. It also shows the need for a fair and open judiciary.