VP Dhankhar Calls Out Delay in Judicial FIR
Chandigarh, June 7, 2025 — Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has voiced strong concern over the delay in registering an FIR related to the cash haul found at a judge’s residence. He stated that the government is handicapped and cannot proceed because of an old judicial order.
Serious Allegations Over Cash Discovery
In mid-March, a major incident occurred at the residence of a sitting judge in Delhi. Burnt sacks filled with unaccounted cash were discovered after a fire. The incident entered the public domain only after a week, raising doubts about transparency. The judge was soon transferred to another High Court.
FIR Blocked by Judicial Protocol
Dhankhar stated that the government is unable to file an FIR without permission from a senior judicial functionary, based on a 30-year-old order. He asked, “Why wasn’t the permission given even after the cash was found?” He said this delay has halted any real investigation and cost the nation over three months.
VP Questions Internal Committee’s Role
He strongly questioned the in-house judicial committee, saying it has no constitutional or statutory power. He emphasized, “Only a proper FIR and criminal investigation can bring justice.” He argued that internal reports can’t replace the constitutional process for removing a judge.
Call for Transparent Investigation
Dhankhar urged for a scientific and thorough probe. He said, “Surely the cash did not come without a purpose. And that purpose can’t be legal.” He asked, “Has money influenced judicial work?” These are tough questions, he said, but must be asked and answered.
Bar Associations Must Step In
He praised the Bar Associations for taking the issue seriously and called them custodians of the rule of law. He said lawyers must push for the FIR and ensure a proper investigation. “If lawyers don’t act now, public faith in justice will collapse,” he warned.
Judiciary Cannot Be Above the Law
Dhankhar reminded that even the President and Governors enjoy limited immunity, only while in office. He questioned how a judge could be shielded from investigation even when serious charges like cash seizure arise.
Losing Public Trust is Dangerous
“If the temple of justice is so tainted and besmirched, where will people go for justice?” asked the VP. He warned against further damage to public trust and said that silence will only deepen the wound on democracy.
Demand for Evidence-Based Probe
Citing past judgments, Dhankhar said guilt must be proven with unimpeachable evidence. He added, “I’m not saying who is guilty, but a crime has occurred. Let there be a transparent investigation to find out.”
Cash Source and Purpose Must Be Probed
The origin of the seized cash remains unknown. Dhankhar demanded that the money trail must be followed and names exposed. He stressed, “Proper investigation will not just expose the guilty, but also protect the innocent.”
Role of Judiciary in Democracy
He called the judiciary the most trusted institution and warned against its politicization. “Judges must remain fearless, impartial, and beyond suspicion,” he said. He stressed that justice delivery must remain pure.
Final Appeal for Truth and Justice
In his final note, the Vice-President said that the only way to restore faith in the system is through a credible FIR, a forensic probe, and legal action. “Let’s clean the temple of justice before it collapses under its own weight,” he concluded.