Cash-at-home case: BJP chief JP Nadda to consult political parties over Justice Yashwant Varma issue

NEW DELHI: BJP MP and Leader of the House (Rajya Sabha) JP Nadda will consult political parties to seek their views on the controversy surrounding Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The decision follows a meeting between Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Floor Leaders of various parties, sources said.
A day after the meeting, Dhankhar informed the House that the discussions were "very fruitful," adding that the deliberations were "consensual, reflecting cooperation and concern." He emphasized that the issue is not about a conflict between institutions but about ensuring that all branches of governance—Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary—work in tandem while maintaining checks and balances.
The meeting concluded with both the Leader of the House, JP Nadda, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mallikarjun Kharge, agreeing to consult their respective parties before further deliberations with the Rajya Sabha Chairman.
Earlier on March 25, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar reiterated his support for the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act while addressing Floor Leaders. He remarked that "things would have been different" had the legislation on judicial appointments not been struck down by the Supreme Court.
"Now is the befitting occasion for all of us to reiterate that because that was a visionary step endorsed by Parliament. And imagine if that had taken place, things would have been different," he stated.
The meeting was convened in the wake of allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma, following a fire incident at his residence on March 14. During the investigation, authorities reportedly discovered a substantial amount of cash, sparking controversy. Justice Varma has vehemently denied the allegations, asserting that neither he nor his family owns the money.