The legal fraternity in Allahabad is up in arms over a decision that has sparked intense debate across judicial circles. On Friday, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association strongly opposed the Supreme Court Collegium’s move to transfer Delhi High Court Judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, back to the Allahabad High Court. The controversy follows serious allegations of unaccounted cash recovery from his residence, raising questions about the integrity of judicial appointments.

A Transfer That Feels Like an Insult

The decision has left many in the legal community furious, with the Allahabad Bar Association questioning whether the Allahabad High Court was being treated as a ‘dumping ground’ for judges facing controversies. The outrage stems from reports that a significant amount of cash was allegedly discovered at Justice Varma’s residence, apparently during a fire emergency when fire brigade officials unintentionally stumbled upon the money.

Following this, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended his transfer to the Allahabad High Court, a move that did not sit well with the Bar Association. In a strongly worded statement, the Association condemned the decision, arguing that it casts a shadow over the judiciary’s credibility and shakes public confidence in the legal system.

Bar Association Takes a Stand

Anil Tiwari, the President of the Bar Association, voiced the collective frustration of lawyers, stating that the Allahabad High Court should not become a ‘trash bin’ for controversial judicial appointments. He emphasized that the legal community would not remain silent and was even prepared to take stringent measures, including suspending court work, if necessary. Beyond this particular case, the Bar Association also raised broader concerns about judicial appointments. They criticized the prolonged shortage of judges in the Allahabad High Court and lamented the fact that no fresh appointments had been made despite an overwhelming backlog of cases. The Association further pointed out that the judiciary should maintain the highest ethical standards, and any compromise on eligibility only leads to corruption, ultimately eroding public trust.

Judicial Integrity at Stake

This is not the first time concerns have been raised about the Allahabad High Court’s treatment within the judicial system. The Bar Association reminded the public of past observations made by the Supreme Court regarding the court’s functioning. They warned against any attempts to undermine or divide the institution, reaffirming their commitment to upholding its dignity and fairness.

Emergency Meeting to Decide Next Steps

With the legal fraternity deeply disturbed by this development, the Bar Association has scheduled an emergency General House meeting on March 24 at 1:15 PM in the Library Hall. The meeting will serve as a platform to deliberate on further actions to challenge the decision and ensure that the judiciary remains free from political and administrative manoeuvring.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not intend to defame or malign any individual, institution, or judicial body. The details mentioned are based on publicly available reports and statements from concerned authorities.

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