Yashwant Varma
| Born | 6 January 1969 |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | India |
| Education |
B.Com [Honours] degree course at Hansraj College Delhi University LLB degree by Rewa University, M.P. |
| Occupation | Justice |
| Title | Justice |
Justice Yashwant Varma, appointed to Delhi HC in 2021, has ruled on key cases, including taxation, arbitration, and constitutional matters. Earlier, he served at Allahabad HC from 2014. A legal expert in constitutional and corporate law, he also chaired Delhi HC's arbitration and legal services committees.
Early Life and Legal Career
Justice Yashwant Varma, a distinguished judge of the Delhi High Court, has been an influential figure in the Indian judiciary. His recent proposed transfer to the Allahabad High Court by the Supreme Court Collegium follows reports of cash being found at his residence during a fire incident. His judicial career spans decades, covering significant legal areas such as constitutional law, taxation, and arbitration.
Education and Advocacy
Born and educated in Madhya Pradesh, Justice Varma pursued law before enrolling as an advocate in 1992. His legal career took shape at the Allahabad High Court, where he specialized in constitutional, labor, industrial, corporate, and taxation laws. His expertise in these domains led him to be appointed as the special counsel for the Allahabad High Court in 2006, a position he held until his elevation as an additional judge in 2014.
Role in Uttar Pradesh Government
Justice Varma’s association with the Uttar Pradesh government was also notable. From 2012 to 2013, he served as the chief standing counsel for the state at the Allahabad High Court. In August 2013, he was designated as a senior advocate by the same court, a recognition of his legal acumen.
Judicial Appointments and Administrative Roles
His judicial journey saw him appointed as an additional judge of the Allahabad High Court on October 13, 2014. After proving his capabilities, he was made a permanent judge on February 1, 2016. Later, on October 11, 2021, he was transferred to the Delhi High Court, where he became part of several important administrative committees. He served on at least 11 committees, including the Administrative and General Supervision Committee and the Finance and Budgeting Committee. Additionally, he chaired the Arbitration Committee of the Delhi International Arbitration Centre and the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee.
Landmark Judgments
Justice Varma has delivered several landmark judgments. In 2018, he granted bail to Dr. Kafeel Khan, who had been jailed for nearly seven months following accusations of medical negligence after the Gorakhpur hospital tragedy. His rulings in taxation cases have also been significant, such as rejecting the Congress party’s plea against tax reassessment in 2024, where he acknowledged substantial evidence of tax evasion amounting to ₹520 crores.
Customs and Copyright Disputes
In another critical case, Justice Varma ruled in 2023 that gold is a “prohibited item” for import under the Customs Act, 1962, clarifying the law on customs restrictions. He also upheld a single-judge ruling in a copyright dispute regarding the 1966 Bengali film Nayak, affirming that legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray was the original copyright owner.
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Firearm Regulations and Legal Clarifications
His judicial contributions extend to the realm of firearm regulations as well. In 2022, he ruled that licensed individuals could not own more than two firearms under the Arms Act, 1959, even if they were members of rifle associations. He emphasized that the law does not grant an unrestricted right to bear arms, preventing any misuse.
Impact on Indian Jurisprudence
Justice Varma’s judicial career reflects his commitment to upholding the rule of law across diverse legal areas. His decisions continue to shape the legal landscape, influencing constitutional, corporate, and criminal jurisprudence in India.
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