CJI Sanjiv Khanna Appoints High-Level Committee to Investigate Allegations Against Justice Yashwant Verma

(By Syed Ali Taher Abedi)

In a significant move aimed at addressing the controversy surrounding Justice Yashwant Verma of the Delhi High Court, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has constituted a high-level committee of three eminent judges to conduct a thorough inquiry into the serious allegations against Justice Yashwant Verma

The committee will be led by Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Joining her are Justice G.S. Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, and Justice Anu Sivaraman, a judge of the Karnataka High Court. The panel has been tasked with investigating the charges following the discovery of a large sum of cash at Justice Verma’s official residence in Delhi earlier this month, along with his alleged involvement in a 2018 CBI FIR linked to a major fraud case involving Simbhaoli Sugar Mills.

The decision comes in the wake of intense public and legal scrutiny after a fire broke out at Justice Verma’s residence on March 14, allegedly revealing a stash of cash amounting to Rs 15 crore. This discovery, coupled with his name being mentioned in a 2018 CBI FIR regarding the sugar mill fraud, has raised serious questions about his integrity and conduct, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene.

The Inquiry’s Mandate

The newly constituted committee has been given the crucial responsibility of investigating the veracity of the allegations against Justice Verma. Their mandate includes determining the facts surrounding the cash discovery, reviewing his involvement in the Simbhaoli Sugar Mills case, and evaluating whether any judicial or ethical guidelines have been breached. The committee has been tasked with ensuring transparency and impartiality throughout the inquiry.

The inquiry will also look into the procedural aspects of the incident, including whether proper judicial protocols were followed in light of the allegations, and if the fire at Verma’s residence was linked to any illicit activity. The committee is expected to provide its findings to the Supreme Court, which will then decide on any further actions based on the inquiry’s conclusions.

Legal Community’s Response

The formation of the high-level committee has been welcomed by many within the legal community, who see it as a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the judiciary. The panel, consisting of respected and experienced judges, is expected to carry out a fair and impartial investigation into the matter. Legal experts have emphasized the importance of ensuring that such inquiries are transparent and conducted with due diligence, to maintain public trust in the judicial system.

This move follows an earlier decision by the Supreme Court Collegium to transfer Justice Verma back to the Allahabad High Court as a precautionary measure. While the transfer was seen as a preliminary action, the appointment of the committee signals the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating the allegations.

Public and Legal Outcry

The ongoing controversy has sparked significant public and legal outrage. Senior members of the bar and the bench have expressed concerns about the potential implications for judicial independence and integrity. The cash discovery, coupled with the allegations of corruption and misconduct, has led to calls for greater transparency in judicial appointments and investigations.

In the wake of the controversy, some legal experts have urged the judiciary to take swift and decisive action to address the issue, and ensure that the reputation of the judiciary is not compromised. Many have also called for a clearer and more transparent process to handle such cases, with a view to safeguarding the integrity of the legal system.

The Road Ahead

As the high-level committee embarks on its inquiry, all eyes will be on the findings and subsequent actions of the Supreme Court. The case has already cast a shadow over the judicial community, and the transparency and thoroughness of the inquiry will be crucial in determining the next steps.

The judiciary, once considered the pillar of India’s democracy, now faces an important test of its own credibility and accountability. With the appointment of the three-judge committee, CJI Sanjiv Khanna has taken a firm step toward addressing the allegations against Justice Verma and ensuring that the truth comes to light, regardless of the consequences.