SINCE today morning, media reports quoting the Delhi police have indicated that at about 11:30 PM on the night of March 14, 2025, a fire broke out at the residential premises of Justice Yashwant Varma, sitting judge of the Delhi High Court. Media reports have further stated that a call regarding a fire in a storeroom was received by the police. Reportedly, two fire vehicles were sent and the fire was doused within fifteen minutes.
When fire tenders and police reached the spot to douse the flames, reportedly, they stumbled upon stacks of liquid cash. Reports also suggest that “jute sacks full of cash” were found “stashed in a corner of the outhouse” of the residence.
It was further reported that the members of the Supreme Court Collegium were apprised of a video, purportedly, of “burning cash” at Justice Varma’s residence. These reports, of course, leave several questions unanswered.
What was the cause of the fire?
More importantly, was any FIR lodged under Section 326(f) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, for “causing mischief by inundation, fire or explosive substances “, an offence punishable with seven years of imprisonment and fine?
If not, why was this not done?
Reports also suggest that no official record or seizure of cash was made by officials. An investigation into the cause of the fire may provide valuable clues that could effectively aid in untangling the facts relating to this case.
What must we understand by the expression “burning cash”? Does it indicate that the cash was deliberately set on fire or was it consumed by the flames when the fire broke out in the house?
Notably, the incident occurred seven days ago, on March 14, and it was not until today that the press began to widely report on this incident, and the subsequent discovery.
