Read Time: 04 minutes

Synopsis

The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has intensified its opposition to judicial corruption, now seeking support from district bar associations across Uttar Pradesh. In a fresh development on March 25, 2025, the association’s president, Senior Advocate Anil Tiwari, formally reached out to all district bar associations, urging them to support a proposal against corruption in the judiciary. The move aims to transform their protest into a nationwide movement, signaling an escalating standoff between the legal fraternity and the judiciary.  

This comes a day after the Bar Association held an emergency meeting on March 24, 2025, where it strongly opposed the Supreme Court collegium’s decision to transfer Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court. The association had unanimously resolved to resist any such move, accusing the collegium of ignoring their concerns. Frustrated by what they see as repeated disregard for their demands, the Bar Association declared an indefinite boycott of judicial work until further notice.  

The General House meeting, chaired by Anil Tiwari, witnessed heated discussions on judicial integrity and concerns over alleged large-scale corruption within the system. It culminated in a strong resolution demanding the immediate impeachment of the accused judge and a complete overhaul of the collegium system. Now, with district bar associations being brought into the fold, the movement appears to be gaining momentum beyond Allahabad.  

Tiwari’s letter to district bar associations emphasizes the need for collective action, stating that only a united front can ensure a nationwide movement against corruption in the judiciary.

Additionally, as part of its protest, the Bar Association has decided to shut down the photo affidavit center at the high court indefinitely starting March 26, 2025. It has also warned oath commissioners and government advocates that if they continue working despite the boycott, they should be prepared to face action from the association.  

The escalating protest now raises serious questions about the relationship between the bar and the bench. With the call for a broader movement, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court and the central government respond to these demands.