Allahabad High Court Bar Association Launches Indefinite Strike Over Justice Yashwant Varma Transfer
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association began an indefinite strike on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, protesting the proposed transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court.
Leading the demonstration at gate number 3 of the high court, Bar Association president Anil Tiwari emphasized that the protest was not against any court or judge but rather a stand against corruption and systemic opacity.
“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,” Tiwari stated.
On Monday, March 24, the association reaffirmed its opposition to the transfer and resolved to escalate its protest with an indefinite strike.
Tiwari further asserted that the legal community was prepared for a prolonged battle.
“From the very beginning, there has been an attempt to cover up this matter. Today, lawyers across India are fighting this battle. Until a resolution is reached, we will not resume work, no matter the consequences,” he said.
The Supreme Court collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, reaffirmed its recommendation to transfer Justice Varma back to his parent court in Allahabad. This decision was made public on Monday through a resolution uploaded on the Supreme Court’s website.
Justice Varma was already under scrutiny after a reported discovery of a large sum of cash at his Lutyens Delhi residence following a fire on March 14 at around 11:35 p.m. As a result, the Delhi High Court withdrew his judicial work.
Justice Yashwant Varma’s Denial
Justice Varma has categorically denied any involvement, dismissing the allegations as an attempt to frame him.
“I unequivocally deny that any cash was placed in the storeroom by me or my family members. I strongly denounce the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to us,” he said.
He characterized the allegations as a conspiracy aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
Justice Varma began his legal career in 1992 and was appointed as an additional judge of the Allahabad High Court in 2014. He became a permanent judge in 2016 before being elevated to the Delhi High Court in 2021.