Clear the cloud over judiciary

The onus is on the lordships to protect the integrity of the institution in the wake of allegations of compromises by its members

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The allegation of a massive cash haul at the residence of sitting Delhi high court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, has cast a shadow on the most important asset of the judiciary — its public reputation of unimpeachable integrity.

Reports suggest the matter came to light after a fire at Justice Varma's official residence in Delhi on March 14, at a time when the judge and his wife were out of town.

After the fire was contained, first responders found bundles of cash, which led to official documentation of the discovery.

Senior police officials were informed, and the matter was soon escalated to the highest levels of the judiciary and government.

The incident and allegations sent shockwaves through judicial corridors, prompting the Supreme Court collegium to unanimously propose that Justice Varma be transferred back to the Allahabad high court.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has hinted that more serious (and permanent) censure is being considered and might be on its way, sooner rather than later.