August 31, 2026
The report by the committee headed by Supreme Court judge Aravind Kumar was tabled in Lok Sabha Wednesday NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha Speaker appointed inquiry committee in its report has recommended further action while indicting Justice Yashwant Varma for recovery of wads of 500-rupee notes at his official residence in Delhi in March last year, its unexplained disappearance and an evasive judge failing to explain “presence, source or ownership” of the huge money.The report by the committee headed by Supreme Court judge Aravind Kumar, which was tabled in LS Wednesday, recommended “such further action as may be considered in accordance with law” against Justice Varma, who withdrew from inquiry proceedings after failing to come up with convincing replies to questions put to him and, in what was seen as a move to pre-empt his removal by Parliament, resigned as Allahabad High Court judge.Also read: Can Parliament still remove judge from office?What shape the “action” recommended by the committee might take is not clear but sources did not rule out the possibility of Parliament initiating removal proceedings against Justice Varma despite his resignation. A CBI inquiry was also being discussed as a possible course of action.The committee said Justice Varma’s explanation for the pile of cash “remained evasive and unsatisfactory when tested against evidence of independent official witnesses and corroborative material” and returned a finding that all three charges against the judge stood proved.Judge’s testimony evasive, misleading: Parl panel Justice Yashwant Varma’s reply to Delhi HC Chief Justice on March 22, 2025 – a week after the fire incident that led to discovery of huge cash at his official residence – and his subsequent stand “did not exhibit the candour, transparency and institutional responsibility expected in the circumstances”, the Lok Sabha Speaker appointed inquiry committee said in its 121-page, 299-paragraph report.On the judge’s testimony, the committee said, “It was evasive because it did not engage with the central circumstance of substantial currency notes seen by independent officials inside the storeroom. It was incomplete because it did not disclose the factual steps allegedly taken by him, the details of inquiries made, the answers received from staff or household members, or any action taken to preserve the site… It was misleading in effect because the earliest broad denial gave way to successive alternative hypotheses, none of which was substantiated when opportunity to lead defence evidence was available.” On Justice Varma’s decision to withdraw from inquiry proceedings and resign from judgeship, the committee said the judge withdrew at a stage when he was required to substantiate with evidence his theories relating to foul play, planting of money and possible role of staff. “He did not lead evidence to substantiate them,” it said. The committee recorded the shifting shape of the defence put forth by Justice Varma. “The defence moved from denial of presence to absence of seizure and verification, to possible fake currency notes, to possible removal by first responders, and to suspicions regarding staff. Each of these hypotheses required some factual foundation if it was to displace the evidence of independent official witnesses and the corroborative electronic material,” it said.By alleging that the first responders had removed the burnt currency notes, the judge admitted these were at the storeroom inside his residential premises, the committee said, referring his writ petition in SC in which he had indirectly admitted to presence of cash at his residential premises.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”No satisfactory explanation has been furnished as to how currency notes seen by several official witnesses disappeared or became unavailable. These facts establish failure to preserve…material evidence,” it said.”What stands established is that substantial unexplained currency notes were found within the official premises occupied by the judge…”it said.The report may come up for discussion in Parliament’s next session, and a further course of action against Varma will then be decided.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123PhotostoriesKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotionsTaking multiple supplements every day? Doctors warn these common combinations could do more harm than good10 beautiful baby girl names that symbolise graceOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden personality type10 classic, smokey and flavourful tikkas perfect for evening snacking5 everyday phone habits that may be damaging your relationship without you noticingThe science behind coriander leaves turning black in the refrigerator and 4 easy hacks to keep them fresh for long8 Indian dinners with over 30g protein that don’t require protein powder123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

The report by the committee headed by Supreme Court judge Aravind Kumar was tabled in Lok Sabha Wednesday NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha Speaker appointed inquiry committee in its report has recommended further action while indicting Justice Yashwant Varma for recovery of wads of 500-rupee notes at his official residence in Delhi in March last year, its unexplained disappearance and an evasive judge failing to explain “presence, source or ownership” of the huge money.The report by the committee headed by Supreme Court judge Aravind Kumar, which was tabled in LS Wednesday, recommended “such further action as may be considered in accordance with law” against Justice Varma, who withdrew from inquiry proceedings after failing to come up with convincing replies to questions put to him and, in what was seen as a move to pre-empt his removal by Parliament, resigned as Allahabad High Court judge.Also read: Can Parliament still remove judge from office?What shape the “action” recommended by the committee might take is not clear but sources did not rule out the possibility of Parliament initiating removal proceedings against Justice Varma despite his resignation. A CBI inquiry was also being discussed as a possible course of action.The committee said Justice Varma’s explanation for the pile of cash “remained evasive and unsatisfactory when tested against evidence of independent official witnesses and corroborative material” and returned a finding that all three charges against the judge stood proved.Judge’s testimony evasive, misleading: Parl panel Justice Yashwant Varma’s reply to Delhi HC Chief Justice on March 22, 2025 – a week after the fire incident that led to discovery of huge cash at his official residence – and his subsequent stand “did not exhibit the candour, transparency and institutional responsibility expected in the circumstances”, the Lok Sabha Speaker appointed inquiry committee said in its 121-page, 299-paragraph report.On the judge’s testimony, the committee said, “It was evasive because it did not engage with the central circumstance of substantial currency notes seen by independent officials inside the storeroom. It was incomplete because it did not disclose the factual steps allegedly taken by him, the details of inquiries made, the answers received from staff or household members, or any action taken to preserve the site… It was misleading in effect because the earliest broad denial gave way to successive alternative hypotheses, none of which was substantiated when opportunity to lead defence evidence was available.” On Justice Varma’s decision to withdraw from inquiry proceedings and resign from judgeship, the committee said the judge withdrew at a stage when he was required to substantiate with evidence his theories relating to foul play, planting of money and possible role of staff. “He did not lead evidence to substantiate them,” it said. The committee recorded the shifting shape of the defence put forth by Justice Varma. “The defence moved from denial of presence to absence of seizure and verification, to possible fake currency notes, to possible removal by first responders, and to suspicions regarding staff. Each of these hypotheses required some factual foundation if it was to displace the evidence of independent official witnesses and the corroborative electronic material,” it said.By alleging that the first responders had removed the burnt currency notes, the judge admitted these were at the storeroom inside his residential premises, the committee said, referring his writ petition in SC in which he had indirectly admitted to presence of cash at his residential premises.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelines”No satisfactory explanation has been furnished as to how currency notes seen by several official witnesses disappeared or became unavailable. These facts establish failure to preserve…material evidence,” it said.”What stands established is that substantial unexplained currency notes were found within the official premises occupied by the judge…”it said.The report may come up for discussion in Parliament’s next session, and a further course of action against Varma will then be decided.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosThreat Letter Targets Kashmiri Pandits In Kashmir, Employees Asked To Stay Alert Amid Security FearChilling Crash Video: Atiq Ahmed’s Son’s Creta Flips After Losing Control On Highway | WatchUdhayanidhi Backs CM Vijay’s Tamil Nadu Delimitation Stand, Demands No Cut In State’s LS SeatsFCRA Bill Sent To 31-Member JPC Amid Opposition Protests, Akhilesh-Rijiju Clash Over MinoritiesRijiju slams opposition over parliament chaos, says ‘running away from debate’Explained: Why Amritpal Singh’s Party Fielded Son of Indira Gandhi’s Assassin In Punjab Elections?Prashant Kishor Promises Jobs For 10,000 Bankipur Youths After Ending BJP’s 30-Year Hold | WatchIndia’s Map Move Rattles China: What Naming 27 Places In Arunachal Means?Air India Phuket-Delhi Pilot’s Confirmatory Dope Test Reportedly Positive For Marijuana, Sources SayTamil Nadu Assembly Passes Anti-NEET Resolution As DMK, AIADMK And PMK Back Abolition Demand123PhotostoriesKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2: From Smriti Irani to Amar Upadhyay, here’s how much the cast earns per episodeBeyond Payasam: Traditional South Indian sweets that deserve a tryPreity Zinta goes full royalcore in an Rs 42,500 fuchsia farshi salwar set for ‘Batwara 1947’ promotionsTaking multiple supplements every day? Doctors warn these common combinations could do more harm than good10 beautiful baby girl names that symbolise graceOptical illusion personality test: What you see first reveals your hidden personality type10 classic, smokey and flavourful tikkas perfect for evening snacking5 everyday phone habits that may be damaging your relationship without you noticingThe science behind coriander leaves turning black in the refrigerator and 4 easy hacks to keep them fresh for long8 Indian dinners with over 30g protein that don’t require protein powder123Hot PicksInternational Youth DayMHT-CET CAP round seat allotmentSlovenia Indian embassyJharkhand protestN ChandrasekaranNEET PG 2026 city slipIran warSBI Clerk RecruitmentUP scholarshipTop TrendingChennai AirportNagpur Rape CaseAir India Phuket-Delhi FlightMumbai Kurla LandslideBengaluru Missing TechieSpiceJet FlightTelangana AccidentAbhijeet DipkeWeather TomorrowShakeel Noorani

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

The report by the committee headed by Supreme Court judge Aravind Kumar was tabled in Lok Sabha Wednesday NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha Speaker appointed inquiry committee in its report has recommended further action while indicting Justice Yashwant Varma for recovery of wads of 500-rupee notes at his official residence in Delhi in March last…

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Updated: Mar 23, 2026, 17:08 IST

Updated: Mar 23, 2026, 17:08 IST

Vamsikrishna05 mins mins

Koneru Humpy (Photo by Lennart Ootes/FIDE). NEW DELHI: In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global chess community, India’s veteran Grandmaster (GM) and World No. 5 Koneru Humpy has now officially withdrawn from the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament in Cyprus. Citing a “Level 3” travel advisory and escalating tensions in the Middle East,…

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Australia begins crackdown on Indian visas in 2026: Four in ten students rejected | World News

Australia begins crackdown on Indian visas in 2026: Four in ten students rejected | World News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

Australia has begun a crackdown on visa approvals, rejecting visas for international students at record rates since the beginning of 2026. Applications from students belonging to India, Nepal and Bangladesh have been the worst affected, facing massive cuts as compared to 2025 visa approvals. The refusal rates on visa applications by international university students reached…

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Let’s buy California from Trump: Danish satire petition collects signatures to counter US’ Greenland move

Let’s buy California from Trump: Danish satire petition collects signatures to counter US’ Greenland move

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A petition has been floated to counter President Donald Trump’s aggression to grab Greenland, claiming that California should then come to Denmark. The petition is satirical but is gaining support and already collected around 290K signatures. They said Trump might even agree to sell Dem-ruled California as he is not California’s biggest fan, and if…

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No drama, no bling: Kareena Kapoor’s conscious mulberry silk and chanderi look is peak effortless chic

No drama, no bling: Kareena Kapoor’s conscious mulberry silk and chanderi look is peak effortless chic

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Kareena Kapoor Khan effortlessly embodied ‘Reclaiming Cool’ in a SWGT ensemble featuring West Bengal mulberry silk and Madhya Pradesh Chanderi. The ivory and blue floral appliqué jacket over a simple blouse and tailored trousers exuded quiet confidence. Minimalist accessories, fresh makeup, and relaxed waves completed the understated yet powerful look. Kareena Kapoor Khan has this…

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Updated: Dec 19, 2025, 21:57 IST

Updated: Dec 19, 2025, 21:57 IST

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: India Under-19 booked a place in the Asia Cup final after beating Sri Lanka U19 by eight wickets in a rain-shortened semi-final on Friday. Vice-captain Vihaan Malhotra and Aaron George shared an unbroken partnership to complete the chase after India’s bowlers restricted Sri Lanka to 138 for 8 in a 20-overs-a-side contest.After rain…

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UPSC EPFO written exam result 2025 released at upsc.gov.in: Direct link to download here

UPSC EPFO written exam result 2025 released at upsc.gov.in: Direct link to download here

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

UPSC EPFO written exam result 2025: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released the result for the written exam. It is for the recruitment of Assistant Provident Fund Commissioners (APFC) in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, by provisionally shortlisting candidates for the interview stage. The recruitment…

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Singer Mohit Chauhan falls on stage mid-performance; internet reacts as the video goes viral, saying, ‘hope he is well’

Singer Mohit Chauhan falls on stage mid-performance; internet reacts as the video goes viral, saying, ‘hope he is well’

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

In a surprising twist at his Bhopal concert, Mohit Chauhan, the beloved singer, experienced an unexpected tumble when he tripped over a stage light. The audience held its breath as the sound stopped, and crew members dashed to his side. Thankfully, after a quick check-up, he returned to the stage, bringing the energy back to…

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‘Whose art is my antidote to sadness’: ‘Fan’ Sunil Chhetri reflects on meeting Lionel Messi; shares emotional post | Football News

‘Whose art is my antidote to sadness’: ‘Fan’ Sunil Chhetri reflects on meeting Lionel Messi; shares emotional post | Football News

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, right, with Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri during the ‘GOAT India Tour 2025’, at Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai. (PTI Photo) Sunil Chhetri has played long enough, seen enough, and carried Indian football on his shoulders for years. Yet, when Lionel Messi stood in front of him at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on Sunday,…

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Sheriff who turned in Charlie Kirk’s killer Tyler Robinson resigns. ‘Total coincidence’ amid bullet mismatch?

Sheriff who turned in Charlie Kirk’s killer Tyler Robinson resigns. ‘Total coincidence’ amid bullet mismatch?

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Sheriff who turned in Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer Tyler Robinson resigned abruptly. The sheriff who led to the arrest of Tyler Robinson in the assassination of Charlie Kirk resigned all of a sudden and announced his retirement. Sheriff Nate Brooksby, according to reports, announced his resignation Friday following undisclosed complaints to Utah’s Washington County from…

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In 1990, the northern spotted owl became a symbol of America’s logging wars; 36 years later, scientists say it is already functionally extinct across large swaths of its range

In 1990, the northern spotted owl became a symbol of America’s logging wars; 36 years later, scientists say it is already functionally extinct across large swaths of its range

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

In 1990, a small bird became an unlikely symbol of one of America’s fiercest environmental battles. The northern spotted owl was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, putting the future of vast stretches of old-growth forest in the Pacific Northwest at the centre of a bitter fight between environmentalists and the logging industry.Thirty-six…

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Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler scores legal WIN in sexual assault of minor lawsuit; court DISMISSES 99 per cent claims |

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler scores legal WIN in sexual assault of minor lawsuit; court DISMISSES 99 per cent claims |

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Steven Tyler has scored a major victory in his ongoing lawsuit alleging sexual assault of a minor, after a California judge dismissed the majority of claims brought against him.In the lawsuit, Julia Holcomb alleges that she was involved in a years-long relationship with the Aerosmith frontman, beginning when she was just 16. Holcomb filed her…

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