Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Seeking FIR Against Justice Yashwant Verma
Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused to hear a petition demanding the filing of an FIR against former Delhi High Court judge, Yashwant Verma. The petition, filed by a lawyer and several others, cited the alleged discovery of cash at Justice Verma's residence. The Supreme Court bench dismissed the petition, stating that the petitioners should have first approached the appropriate authorities before filing the petition.
Cash Bundles Found During Fire Extinguishing Operation
The matter came to light after a fire broke out in the outhouse of Justice Yashwant Verma's official residence in Delhi. During the firefighting operation by the fire brigade, bundles of cash were allegedly discovered. Based on this, the petitioners accused Justice Verma of corruption and possessing illicit wealth, demanding a criminal investigation.
Internal Inquiry Finds Prima Facie Guilt
Given the seriousness of the matter, the Supreme Court constituted an internal inquiry committee. The inquiry report found Justice Verma prima facie guilty. Following the report, the then Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, requested Justice Verma's resignation. Upon his refusal, the report and his response were sent to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Petition Raised Serious Questions
The petition seeking an FIR was filed by lawyer Matthews Nedumpuram and others. The petition argued that while the Supreme Court's internal inquiry committee found the allegations prima facie correct, an internal inquiry cannot substitute a criminal investigation. The petitioners contended that a fair police investigation is necessary in such cases to ensure appropriate action under the law.
Supreme Court Cites Legal Advice
During the hearing, the Supreme Court bench clarified that the petitioners should have first lodged a complaint on the appropriate platform. The court also pointed out that a press release on May 8th announced that the internal inquiry report and Justice Verma's response had been sent to the President and Prime Minister. Considering this, the court deemed the petition inadmissible and dismissed it.
Transferred from Delhi to Allahabad High Court
Following the revelation of the cash discovery, Justice Verma was transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court. This transfer followed his refusal to resign. While no criminal proceedings have been initiated against him yet, the transfer is widely seen as a direct consequence of the controversy.
