The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has expressed strong opposition to the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma, a decision made by the Supreme Court Collegium following the discovery of unaccounted cash at his residence. “Allahabad High Court kude ka dibba nahi hai jo yahan bhej diya gaya hai (Allahabad High Court is not a trash bin that he has been sent here), Bar and Bench quoted Bar Association President Anil Tiwari as saying.
“We will not accept corrupt people. We will close the court work if needed. this is a press release for general body meeting on Monday (March 24) and then we will take action. We will go sine die if needed,” Tiwari told Bar and Bench.
In their letter to the Chief Justice and judges of the Allahabad High Court, the bar association conveyed their surprise and dismay at the decision, raising concerns over the implications for the court’s reputation. “This decision of the Collegium raises a serious question – is the Allahabad High Court a trash bin?” the letter stated. The association emphasised the already dire situation faced by the Court, which is struggling with a shortage of judges and highlighted that the Bar had not been consulted when new judges were appointed.
The bar association further criticised the lack of attention to eligibility during judicial appointments, linking the situation to concerns about corruption and the erosion of public trust in the judiciary. “The public faith in the judiciary has suffered as a result,” the letter added.
The controversy started after a sum of allegedly Rs 15 crore unaccounted money was found at the residence of Justice Varma during a fire while he was out of town. His family alerted the authorities, and the money was subsequently recovered by the police. The issue was taken to senior government members and Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna had an emergency meeting of the Supreme Court Collegium.
The Collegium then decided to transfer Justice Varma to his parent court, the Allahabad High Court. Some members in the Collegium, however, raised concerns, stating that a mere transfer might harm the judiciary’s reputation. Instead, they suggested that Justice Varma resign or be subjected to an in-house probe, which could result in his removal by Parliament.
As per the Supreme Court’s in-house mechanism for enquiring into charges against judges, the CJI will initially seek the response of the judge before deciding whether to order a formal inquiry. If a further investigation is warranted, a panel consisting of one Supreme Court judge and two chief justices of the High Courts can be constituted to inquire into the case.
Meanwhile, the SC has initiated an in-house inquiry into Justice Varma and reportedly also sought a report from Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Bar and Bench reported.