The reported haul of cash from the residence of a sitting Delhi HC Judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, has shocked the nation. Judges are seen as leaders of society and are expected to maintain a public profile above suspicion. This incident has triggered a debate on judicial accountability and transparency, raising concerns about the independence and oversight of the judiciary. Though the judge has denied the allegations in the report, the incident has given rise to several questions: Was the money kept there without the judge’s knowledge? If yes, was it the handiwork of his residential staff or outsiders or both? And if it’s a conspiracy to frame and defame the judge, who all are involved? Judges certainly need a strong shield in terms of the law for protection against motivated attacks. But that should not become a shield against necessary and legitimate action in cases of any wrongdoing. Nonetheless, the SC must order a criminal investigation and ensure the judge faces the law like any other common Indian. Anything less will be insufficient to restore the sanctity of the nation’s judicial system, which has been badly tarnished by this incident.
