The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has announced an indefinite strike starting Tuesday, March 25, to protest against the proposed transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma to his parent court.
This decision follows the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation to repatriate Justice Yashwant Varma, who is currently under inquiry after a significant amount of cash was allegedly found at his official residence in Delhi. The bar association president, Anil Tiwari, stated that the lawyers at Allahabad High Court will continue their strike until the Supreme Court withdraws its decision.
Anil Tiwari added that the association is reaching out to other bar associations, including those in Lucknow, to join the protest. After an emergency meeting, he emphasized that the association would not back down. “The Supreme Court has judicial powers, but we have public support,” he stated.
The lawyers have vowed not to resume work until the transfer decision is revoked. “This is a fight for justice, and we are prepared to face any consequences. If necessary, we will go to jail or even sacrifice our lives to protect the judiciary,” Anil Tiwari declared.
Anil Tiwari also accused the authorities of undermining democracy to protect a single judge and urged the government to intervene. Furthermore, the bar association has called for an inquiry into Justice Yashwant Varma’s past judgments.
The controversy began after cash was allegedly discovered at Justice Yashwant Varma’s residence in Lutyens’ Delhi following a fire on March 14. In response, the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with the Delhi High Court, took immediate action, including withdrawing judicial duties from Justice Yashwant Varma on Monday.
