Justice Yashwant Varma’s oath in Allahabad High Court sparks indefinite protest; Bar Association questions integrity, demands accountability
Prayagraj, March 29: The Allahabad High Court Bar Association erupted in protest on Saturday over the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma from the Delhi High Court to Allahabad, with its president Anil Tiwari calling it the “blackest day in the Indian judicial system.” The association has announced an indefinite strike and plans to meet senior advocates at 4 PM today to decide further action.
The controversy stems from the aftermath of a March 14 fire at Justice Varma’s New Delhi residence, during which unaccounted cash was reportedly found. Justice Varma has categorically denied any involvement, stating that neither he nor his family had placed any currency in the storeroom, and demanded an inquiry to restore his reputation.
Despite the denial, his transfer to Allahabad High Court—formalized through a government notification on Friday—has sparked intense backlash from the legal fraternity in Prayagraj.
“March 28 will be remembered as the darkest day in the Indian judiciary. A man facing corruption allegations has been allowed to take oath here,” said Bar President Anil Tiwari, announcing a boycott of the oath-taking ceremony.
He further questioned whether Justice Varma could uphold his judicial oath, adding that public trust in the system was at stake.
“A common man is asking—if he couldn’t uphold his oath in Delhi, how will he do so in Allahabad? We cannot be part of this. We are protesting not for ourselves, but for the faith of common litigants,” Tiwari asserted.
As part of their protest, the Bar Association has also shut down the affidavit centre, though Tiwari assured that they would soon reopen it to avoid inconvenience to litigants.
The Bar also welcomed the Supreme Court’s direction to the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court to withhold all judicial work from Justice Varma, pending further review.
“I thank the Chief Justice of India and the Collegium for ensuring that Justice Varma won’t be assigned any judicial responsibilities for now,” Tiwari said.
Justice Varma officially took oath at the Allahabad High Court bench yesterday. However, he has not been given any case roster following the top court’s advisory.
The Bar Association had earlier launched an indefinite strike, expressing discontent with the Supreme Court Collegium’s decision to transfer Justice Varma amid unresolved allegations. Their protest is expected to intensify as discussions with senior advocates unfold later today.