SC dismisses plea seeking FIR against Delhi HC judge Yashwant Varma in cash scandal

Supreme Court Rejects Plea Seeking FIR Against Delhi HC Judge in Alleged Cash Scandal

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition seeking the registration of an FIR against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma in connection with an alleged cash scandal. The plea, filed by a lawyer, claimed that Justice Varma was involved in financial misconduct, but the apex court termed the allegations "baseless" and "an abuse of the judicial process."  

A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia refused to entertain the petition, stating that no evidence had been presented to substantiate the serious accusations against the sitting judge. "Such unsubstantiated allegations against members of the judiciary undermine the dignity of the institution," the bench observed.  

The controversy arose after a lawyer, citing unnamed sources, alleged that Justice Varma was linked to a financial irregularity. However, the petition lacked concrete proof, and the Supreme Court noted that the claims appeared to be motivated rather than based on facts.  

Legal experts have welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing the need to protect judges from frivolous litigation that could erode public trust in the judiciary. "Judges must be shielded from malicious complaints that aim to harass or defame them without merit," said senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan.  

The Supreme Court also warned against the misuse of PILs (Public Interest Litigations) to target individuals without credible grounds. "Courts cannot be turned into platforms for settling personal vendettas," the bench remarked before dismissing the plea with costs.  

Justice Yashwant Varma, known for his landmark rulings, has previously presided over high-profile cases, including those related to environmental and constitutional matters. The Delhi High Court has not commented on the matter, but legal circles have dismissed the allegations as unfounded.  

This ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance against unverified accusations while upholding the principle that judges, like all citizens, are entitled to due process before facing legal action.