The judiciary is often described as the bedrock of a functioning democracy, upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no one is above it. The developments surrounding Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court, following the discovery of unaccounted cash at his official residence, are deeply troubling. While the transfer order by the Supreme Court collegium may seem important, the incident raises pressing questions about transparency, accountability, and the standards expected of India’s higher judiciary. At its core, this episode underscores the fragility of public trust in judicial institutions. Judges wield immense power, not only over legal outcomes but also in shaping the moral and ethical compass of a nation.

Allegations of financial impropriety ~ even before a formal inquiry ~ cast a long shadow over this image. The Supreme Court collegium’s swift decision to recommend Justice Varma’s transfer to his parent high court at Allahabad suggests an........

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