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In a departure from tradition, Justice Yashwant Varma was sworn in as a judge of the Allahabad High Court on Saturday in a quiet ceremony inside a private chamber, away from public and media glare
The High Court Bar Association, Allahabad has strongly objected to what it has described as a “clandestine” oath-taking ceremony of Justice Yashwant Varma, calling it a serious breach of constitutional tradition and institutional transparency.
Although, Justice Varma has taken the oath, he will not be assigned any judicial work until the inquiry, overseen by a three-member panel appointed by the Chief Justice of India, concludes.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, through its Secretary Vikrant Pandey, the association expressed anguish over the ceremony being conducted without informing the legal fraternity. “Administration of Oath to a judge is a quintessential event in our judicial system. Lawyers being equal stake holders in the institution, cannot be kept away,” the letter states.
The controversy stems from the recent transfer of Justice Varma from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court, a move that has triggered protests by the Bar Association since March 25. The association has alleged impropriety in the transfer, citing “credible evidence” that has led to an in-house inquiry against Justice Varma. The Chief Justice of India had earlier assured a delegation of lawyers that steps would be taken to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.
However, the latest turn of events, where Justice Varma was quietly administered the oath without a public ceremony or prior notice to the Bar, has further fueled discontent.
The Bar Association had passed a resolution declaring its intent to boycott the oath-taking event, terming it “unconstitutional.” Despite this, members were shocked to learn that the ceremony had taken place behind closed doors.
“Subscription to oath has traditionally and continuously been conducted in open court. Keeping the lawyer fraternity uninformed may erode their confidence in this institution,” the association writes. The letter also claims that most judges of the high court were neither informed nor invited to the oath, calling into question the legitimacy of the event.
Notably, the Bar Association suspended its ongoing strike on March 29 pending the outcome of the in-house inquiry.
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