Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: Justice Yashwant Varma was sworn in as a judge of the Allahabad High Court on Saturday under highly unusual and contentious circumstances. Unlike the customary public ceremony, Justice Varma took his oath in a private setting—a move that has drawn significant attention and raised eyebrows in legal circles.
The development comes while an investigation is still underway into the recent recovery of semi-burnt sacks of cash allegedly found at his residence a few weeks ago.
Although Justice Varma has been formally inducted into the court, sources reveal that he has not yet been given any judicial or administrative responsibilities. His recent transfer from the Delhi High Court to Allahabad has come under scrutiny, especially after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed at the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court. The PIL requested that his swearing-in be deferred until the investigation into the cash seizure was concluded.
The situation has sparked significant discontent within the legal fraternity. The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has openly criticized the Collegium’s decision, voicing their opposition through a strongly worded letter addressed to the Chief Justice and other senior judges.
The association wrote, “We aren’t a trash bin,” while calling for increased transparency and accountability in the judicial appointment process.
As the investigation continues, Justice Varma’s future role within the Allahabad High Court remains unclear. Legal experts and observers are closely watching the situation, which has brought broader concerns regarding judicial integrity and the mechanisms behind judicial appointments in India.
According to the official website of the Allahabad High Court, Justice Varma earned his law degree from Rewa University in 1992 and enrolled as an advocate on August 8 of the same year. He primarily practiced civil law, handling cases in constitutional law, industrial disputes, corporate matters, taxation, environmental issues, and other related fields. From 2006 until his elevation to the bench, he served as special counsel for the Allahabad High Court.