NATIONAL: Allahabad HC Bar Association Strongly Opposes Justice Yashwant Varma’s Transfer
Bar Association Outraged Over Transfer Decision
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has vehemently opposed the Supreme Court’s decision to transfer Justice Yashwant Varma from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court.
This decision comes in the wake of a significant cash recovery from his official residence following a fire incident on March 14.
Following a general house meeting in Prayagraj on Monday, Allahabad HC Bar Association President Anil Tiwari strongly condemned the move and called for further action. “We will not tolerate his transfer here under any circumstances—not today, not in the future,” he stated.
Calls for CBI, ED Investigation and Impeachment
Tiwari urged the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to allow central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to investigate the case.
He argued that Justice Varma should not be given judicial immunity in this matter, as political leaders and bureaucrats facing similar accusations undergo investigations.
The association also demanded impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma. “We have requested the government to initiate the impeachment process immediately to prevent any attempts to destroy evidence,” Tiwari emphasized. Additionally, the association criticized the collegium system of judicial appointments, claiming it favors individuals with strong personal connections rather than merit.
Supreme Court Collegium’s Justification
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and four senior judges, reviewed Justice Varma’s transfer on March 20.
The Collegium clarified that the transfer was not connected to the ongoing in-house inquiry initiated by the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court regarding the cash recovery. Instead, it stated that the transfer was an administrative decision in line with standard judicial practices.
Dhankhar Praises CJI’s Transparency
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar commended Chief Justice Khanna for maintaining transparency in the judiciary amid the controversy.
He noted that, for the first time since India’s independence, a Chief Justice has disclosed all relevant details without withholding any information.
“This is a step in the right direction. The formation of a committee and the CJI’s vigilance are crucial in maintaining public trust in institutions like the judiciary and legislature,” Dhankhar remarked.
Allahabad HC Bar Association’s Strong Stance
This is not the first time the Allahabad HC Bar Association has opposed Justice Varma’s transfer.
Last week, it wrote to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, asserting that the Allahabad High Court is “not a trash bin.” The association linked the transfer to broader concerns about judicial appointments and transfers, arguing that such decisions weaken public confidence in the legal system.
Justice Varma Denies Allegations
Justice Yashwant Varma has firmly denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations an attempt to malign him.
In a letter to the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, he stated that neither he nor his family had any connection to the cash reportedly found at his residence.
He insisted that the accusations were baseless and politically motivated.
As the controversy unfolds, the legal fraternity remains divided over Justice Varma’s transfer and the larger issues of judicial accountability and transparency.
With mounting pressure for a formal investigation and impeachment proceedings, the Supreme Court’s handling of the case will be closely watched in the coming weeks.