Delhi High Court dismisses plea against former judge over cash discovery

Justice Amit Bansal of the Delhi High Court on Monday declined to entertain a plea filed by advocate Ghanshyam Upadhyay requesting registration of a First Information Report and a probe by either the CBI or a Special Investigation Team. The petition concerned a reported discovery of substantial cash at the residence of former Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma in connection with a fire incident.

During the hearing, Justice Bansal questioned the petitioner's locus standi and expressed skepticism about the petition, remarking that it amounted to a 'wild witch hunt.' The judge questioned why the petitioner had not approached the appropriate trial court with the plea instead. "I'm not entertaining this. This is a wild witch hunt. You have nothing better to do?" Justice Bansal observed.

Upadhyay argued that the matter was extraordinary in nature and that a lower court could not adequately address the issues involved. He further submitted that under criminal law, any person could set criminal proceedings in motion against anyone. However, the court indicated it would dismiss the plea, noting that the petitioner had alternative legal remedies available to pursue his concerns.