PRAYAGRAJ: The Allahabad High Court Bar Association commenced an indefinite strike on March 25, 2025, protesting the proposed transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma back to Allahabad High Court. The move comes amid mounting tensions spurred by allegations involving a significant cash discovery at Justice Varma's official residence following a fire incident.
Leading the protest, Bar Association President Anil Tiwari addressed gathered lawyers outside the high court, stating, "This protest is not against any court or judge but against those who have betrayed the judicial system." He emphasized the association's position, saying, "Our fight is against those involved in corruption and against a system that lacks transparency. For now, our demand is a reconsideration and withdrawal of the transfer order." The Bar Association had firmly reiterated their objections to the transfer just a day prior, on March 24, further solidifying their resolve to engage in this protest until the matter is resolved.
Demonstrators highlighted concerns about integrity within the judicial system, calling into question protocols and motivations behind the probe into Justice Varma. Tiwari exclaimed, "Today, lawyers across India are fighting this battle. Until a resolution is reached, we will not resume work, no matter the consequences." This sentiment resonates as lawyers stand united against perceived injustices in the judicial framework.
The Supreme Court, during deliberations on March 24, confirmed its decision to recommend Justice Varma's transfer amid ongoing inquiries related to the alleged discovery of a large sum of cash at his residence. The alleged incident unfolded on March 14 when a fire broke out at Varma's Lutyens Delhi residence at around 11:35 PM, prompting fire officials to respond swiftly to combat what they later described as a significant incident.
In light of the event, the apex court collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, issued directives to withdraw judicial responsibilities from Justice Varma. Following the revelation of this incident, a Supreme Court-appointed committee, involving Justices Sheel Nagu of Punjab and Haryana High Court, G S Sandhawalia from Himachal Pradesh, and Anu Sivaraman from Karnataka, was formed on March 22 to conduct an inquiry.
Justice Varma has taken a defiant stance against these allegations, firmly denying any wrongdoing. In a statement, he asserted, "No cash was ever placed in the storeroom either by me or my family members," categorizing the implications surrounding the cash found as a potentially orchestrated attack against him. He maintains that the fabrications surrounding the incident serve only to malign his credibility within the judicial realm.
The inquiry team visited Justice Varma's residence for about 30-35 minutes to inspect the premises, a typical procedural measure following such significant allegations. The circumstances under which the alleged cash discovery took place have raised eyebrows among legal experts and observers, foreseeing potential implications for judicial transparency nationwide.
Legal analysts suggest that the ramifications of this event could reach far beyond Justice Varma himself, casting a shadow over the integrity of the entire judicial system. The palpable feelings of betrayal felt by the members of the Bar Association ignite a broader conversation about accountability among judges and judicial officials. Discussions continue on the significance of rooting out corruption in a system that many feel is increasingly opaque.
Justice Varma's notable judicial journey commenced with his enrollment as an advocate on August 8, 1992. His trajectory has seen him appointed first as an additional judge of the Allahabad High Court in 2014, with his ascension to a permanent judge status occurring in 2016, before ultimately transitioning to the Delhi High Court in October 2021.
This unfolding story presents a delicate interplay of dignity, procedural integrity, and structural accountability, reflecting the broader concerns prevalent within the legal community. As the striking lawyers and the public watch closely, the developments over the next few days will undoubtedly shape perceptions of trust in the judiciary.
Ultimately, the outcome of Justice Varma's inquiry and how it interacts with the Bar Association's protest will provide critical insights into the evolving landscape of judicial accountability in India.
