Time to Revisit Veeraswami Verdict, Expose Money Trail in Judiciary: VP Dhankhar

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th May: Vice-President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar on Monday made a scathing and urgent call to revisit the 1991 K. Veeraswami judgment, calling it a “judicial legerdemain” that erected a “scaffolding of impunity” shielding judges from timely investigation and accountability. His remarks come in the backdrop of the alleged cash recovery from the residence of a sitting judge, a case that has triggered national concern but seen no First Information Report (FIR) filed yet.

“The rule of law is the very foundation of our society. Delay in FIR raises serious questions, and the people are waiting with bated breath — what was the source of the money, its purpose, and whether it has polluted the judicial system? Who are the bigger sharks?” the Vice-President asked pointedly, during his address at the book launch of “The Constitution We Adopted (With Artworks)” at Bharat Mandapam.

Dhankhar referred to the March 14–15 night incident in Lutyens’ Delhi — where bundles of cash were allegedly discovered at a judge’s residence — and noted that it took a week for the nation to even learn about it. “In a country of 1.4 billion, what else may have gone unreported?” he questioned, adding that the delay and silence had shaken public faith in the judiciary.

Questions Over Three-Member Committee

The Vice-President also raised constitutional objections to the formation of a three-member committee that is reportedly looking into the case. “It has no constitutional premise or legal sanctity,” he asserted. “Just imagine how much time of two High Court Chief Justices has been diverted from judicial work to a committee whose report has no legal consequence.”

He questioned the authority under which the committee allegedly seized electronic devices and called the move deeply concerning. “We have to set exemplary standards, not allow systems that circumvent due process.”

Revisiting the K. Veeraswami Judgment

Dhankhar termed the K. Veeraswami verdict — which bars the registration of FIRs against sitting High Court and Supreme Court judges without prior sanction from the Chief Justice of India — a major legal obstacle to transparency. “Time for change has come,” he said, calling it a “legacy issue” that the current Supreme Court must address head-on.

“The present Chief Justice and the Supreme Court have shown integrity and soothing signals, and I have full confidence in them,” he added.

Upholding Judicial Integrity, Not Immunity

Stressing the need for a robust yet accountable judiciary, the Vice-President said, “We must protect our judges from threats but not insulate them from lawful scrutiny.” He underlined the need for an in-house regulatory mechanism that is transparent, expeditious, and independent.

Dhankhar rejected any notion that he was targeting the judiciary. “I am not a bystander. I am a foot soldier of the judiciary, and I have given my best to uphold its dignity,” he said. “Every institution and individual must be accountable under law — that’s the essence of democracy.”

Rule of Law Must Prevail

“Satyamev Jayate — Truth must triumph, especially in this case,” said Dhankhar, as he called for a scientific and time-bound investigation into the alleged cash recovery. “People think the system has suffered a great challenge. It will only be redeemed when the guilty — whoever they are — are brought to justice.”

On Protocol and the Role of the Vice-President

The Vice-President also took the opportunity to reflect on protocol breaches, aligning himself with recent comments by the Chief Justice of India. “We must uphold institutional protocol. I am beholden to the present Chief Justice for drawing attention to this,” he said, while noting he himself has faced protocol-related disregard in the past.

“In the end, we are all united in nurturing constitutional sense and spirit,” Dhankhar said. “Democracy blossoms only when all institutions are transparent, and the judiciary is both fearless and accountable.”