Fire at Delhi HC judge’s residence uncovers hidden cash, SC collegium orders immediate transfer
New Delhi: A fire at the residence of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma led to the discovery of a large stash of cash, leading to action from the Supreme Court collegium. The collegium has decided to transfer Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court with immediate effect, with some members suggesting resignation or an in-house inquiry.
According to a Times of India report, the fire broke out at Justice Varma’s bungalow while he was away. His family contacted emergency services, and after the flames were extinguished, responders found piles of cash inside one of the rooms. The authorities reported the discovery to the police, and the matter soon reached the office of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna.
Following the revelation, the CJI convened a collegium meeting to discuss the situation. After deliberations, the collegium decided on Justice Varma’s immediate transfer to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court. He had been serving in the Delhi High Court since October 2021 after moving from Allahabad.
However, some collegium members raised concerns about the judiciary’s credibility and suggested stronger action. They proposed that Justice Varma be asked to resign or face an in-house inquiry. As per the procedure laid down by the Supreme Court in 1999, an in-house inquiry would require CJI Khanna to seek Justice Varma’s response. If found unsatisfactory, a panel of senior judges would be constituted for further investigation.
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KSCA expresses disappointment over missing IPL playoffs, says it was ready to host matches in B’luru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has issued a clarification stating that it was fully prepared to host the IPL playoffs and final matches in Bengaluru but the fixtures were allotted to other venues.
In a media note, KSCA said it was disappointed with the decision. The association stated that its president, former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, had been in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and had formally conveyed the association’s readiness and interest in hosting the matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA said the IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season were appreciated for smooth conduct, crowd management and overall experience for spectators. It said this reflected its ability to handle high-profile matches.
The association also stated that it had sent a detailed communication to the BCCI explaining its preparedness and the operational arrangements followed during the current IPL season. According to KSCA, these systems have been in place since the start of the Indian Premier League in 2008 and were followed consistently, including during previous playoff matches hosted in Bengaluru.
The clarification added that the communication sent to the BCCI was only meant to provide factual and operational details and to bring clarity on logistical and stakeholder-related requirements involved in hosting such matches.
KSCA said that although it had shown willingness and preparedness, the BCCI has decided to allocate the playoff matches to other venues. It added that the reasons for this decision have not been formally shared with the association, but it respects the authority of the board in taking such decisions.
The association further said it remains ready to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to cooperate with the BCCI, franchises, government authorities and other stakeholders for conducting cricket events.
The statement was issued by KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, who also thanked the media and cricket fans for their continued support.
