On April 17, 2025, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar sparked a nationwide debate by questioning why no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed in the case involving the discovery of burnt cash at the residence of High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. Speaking to Rajya Sabha interns, Dhankhar expressed deep concern over the lack of action, calling it a troubling delay that raises questions about fairness and transparency in India’s justice system. His remarks have brought renewed attention to the controversial case, which has left many wondering why the usual legal process seems to be moving so slowly.
What Happened at Justice Varma’s Residence?
The incident took place on the night of March 14, 2025, during Holi celebrations, when a fire broke out in a storeroom at Justice Varma’s official residence in New Delhi’s Tughlak Crescent. Firefighters, called to put out the blaze, reportedly found sacks of partially burnt cash. The discovery, estimated by some to be worth crores, shocked the nation. Justice Varma, who was in Bhopal at the time, has denied the allegations, claiming no cash was found and suggesting a possible conspiracy against him.
The Delhi Police informed senior officials, who notified Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna. Instead of an FIR, the Supreme Court ordered an in-house inquiry by a three-member committee of judges—Justices Sheel Nagu, G.S. Sandhawalia, and Anu Sivaraman—to investigate the matter. Justice Varma was transferred from the Delhi High Court to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court, and stripped of judicial duties pending the probe.
Vice President Dhankhar’s Questions
Vice President Dhankhar, a senior lawyer himself, didn’t hold back in his criticism. He pointed out that if the same incident had happened at an ordinary person’s home, the police would have acted “at the speed of an electronic rocket.” Yet, over a month later, the case is moving “slower than a cattle cart.” He asked why no FIR has been filed, noting that failing to report a serious crime is itself against the law.
Dhankhar explained that an FIR can be filed against anyone, including high-ranking officials like himself, without special permission. However, for judges, an FIR needs approval from the judiciary, a rule not found in the Constitution. He questioned why judges seem to have a special shield when the Constitution only grants immunity to the President and Governors. “Is there a category beyond the law?” he asked, stressing that this delay is worrying every Indian.
He also criticized the in-house committee, saying it has no legal power and can only make recommendations. “Investigation is the job of the police, not judges,” he said, adding that the committee’s report won’t have any real weight. Dhankhar urged for transparency, saying, “It’s time to open the can of worms and let the truth come out so the system can be cleaned.”
Why No FIR? The Legal Roadblock
The reason no FIR has been filed lies in a 1991 Supreme Court ruling that protects sitting judges from criminal investigations unless the CJI gives permission. This rule aims to protect judicial independence, ensuring judges aren’t harassed with false cases. In Justice Varma’s case, the CJI chose an in-house inquiry over an FIR, following this framework. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at the Times Now Summit on March 28, 2025, backed this process, saying, “No FIR can be filed without the CJI’s approval.”
Critics, including Dhankhar, argue this creates a double standard. They say it delays justice and risks losing evidence, especially in a case as serious as this. Some, like lawyer Mathews J. Nedumpara, have even challenged the 1991 ruling, claiming it goes against the idea that everyone is equal before the law.
Public and Political Reactions
The case has stirred strong feelings across India. Many are upset that a judge, someone expected to uphold the law, is at the center of such allegations. The week-long silence after the incident, only broken by a newspaper report on March 21, has added to the suspicion. Dhankhar noted that people are “restive” because the judiciary, an institution they respect, is now “in the dock.”
The Supreme Court’s decision to make inquiry documents public was praised by Dhankhar earlier in March as a step toward transparency. However, he now says the lack of an FIR undermines trust in the system. The case has also sparked political debate, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh raising it in the Rajya Sabha, pushing for answers.
What’s Next for the Case?
The three-judge committee is still investigating, and its findings will decide the next steps. If the committee finds evidence of wrongdoing, it could recommend criminal action or even impeachment, which would need Parliament’s approval. For now, Justice Varma remains without judicial duties, and the nation waits for clarity.
Vice President Dhankhar’s bold questions have put the spotlight on a bigger issue: how should allegations against judges be handled? He believes transparency and accountability are key to keeping the judiciary strong. “Institutions grow with scrutiny, not by avoiding it,” he said. As the Justice Varma case unfolds, it’s clear that Dhankhar’s call for fairness and swift action has struck a chord, urging the system to prove that no one is above the law