New Delhi: Former Solicitor General of India and senior advocate Harish Salve on Friday said it would be a tragedy if allegations regarding the alleged recovery of cash from the residence of Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma turn out to be untrue.  

Speaking about the controversy, Salve expressed concern over the potential damage to the judge’s reputation. “What a tragedy. If this allegation is false, then a very fine judge’s image is immediately tarnished,” he said, adding that he has always admired Justice Varma’s professionalism.  

Justice Varma, one of the senior-most judges of the Delhi High Court, came under scrutiny after reports suggested that cash was found at his residence following a fire incident on March 14. However, Delhi Fire Services chief Atul Garg later stated that no such recovery was made by fire personnel. Calling the situation "odd and murky," Salve emphasized the need for clarity.  

He also stressed that the judge’s transfer should be put on hold until a thorough inquiry is conducted. “The only way forward now is that his transfer should be suspended and an inquiry ordered,” he said.  

Regarding whether Justice Varma should continue hearing cases during the investigation, Salve remarked, “I am sure he will take a few days off, and after that, the Supreme Court should order an inquiry into whether any money was recovered from his house.” 

He suggested forming a three-member panel, including a judge and two other members, to look into the matter.  

Reflecting on the gravity of the situation, Salve said, “I don't think I've ever heard such an ugly story of cash being recovered from a high court judge's house.” He added that such an allegation, if proven false, could deeply impact public confidence in the judiciary.  

“Let me tell you, Justice Varma is one of the senior-most judges. The judge I’ve admired always. And I was devastated when I read this news. So if it shakes my faith in the judiciary, it surely shakes the common man's faith in the judiciary,” he concluded.  IANS