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In a unanimous stand against the Supreme Court collegium's decision, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association has declared a boycott of judicial work, vowing to resist Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer
In a dramatic turn of events, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association convened an emergency meeting on March 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM, signaling a strong pushback against the Supreme Court collegium’s decision recommending the repatriation of Delhi High Court Judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, to the Allahabad High Court.
Led by President and Senior Advocate Anil Tiwari and conducted by General Secretary Advocate Vikrant Pandey, the meeting witnessed the participation of key office bearers and executive members.
With unanimous resolve, the association vowed to resist any future attempts to transfer Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court. The general assembly had already passed a resolution earlier this morning opposing such a move, yet the Supreme Court collegium, in a striking disregard for the association’s stand, went ahead with the transfer order.
This defiant stance now sets the stage for an escalating confrontation between the bar and the judiciary.
Expressing strong displeasure over this decision, the Bar Association unanimously decided to abstain from judicial work until further notice. Additionally, it urged the Central Government to intervene and overturn the collegium’s decision immediately.
The association has called upon all esteemed advocates of the high court to support its movement to safeguard the dignity of the Allahabad High Court. It was also announced that the photo affidavit center would remain closed indefinitely from March 26, 2025, due to the judicial work boycott.
Furthermore, all oath commissioners and government advocates practicing at the Allahabad High Court have been advised that if they continue their work from March 25, 2025, onwards, they should not oppose any action taken against them by the High Court Bar Association.
Earlier today, the Bar Association vehemently opposed the Supreme Court’s decision following allegations of massive corruption. The General House meeting of the Bar Association, chaired by Senior Advocate Anil Tiwari, saw an explosive discussion on judicial integrity, culminating in a strong resolution demanding the immediate impeachment of the accused judge and an overhaul of the collegium system.
The controversy erupted after sacks filled with unaccounted cash were discovered in Justice Varma’s Delhi residence on March 14, 2025. The association described the incident as the “blackest day in the history of Indian judiciary ,” condemning the revelations as a damning indictment of systemic corruption within the judicial system.
In the morning meeting, the association took strong exception to the in-house inquiry initiated by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), arguing that the system of “judges judging judges” lacks transparency and accountability. The Bar Association stated that corrupt judges should not be treated differently from bureaucrats or politicians and demanded a full-fledged criminal investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
“We can only hope and trust that this In house enquiry does not end in a cover up to save justice Varma," the Bar Association declared.
In a strongly worded resolution passed in the morning, the association demanded:
The Bar Association reiterated that the Allahabad High Court is not a dumping ground for corrupt and tainted judges and vowed to oppose Justice Varma’s transfer “tooth and nail.”
Citing the principle that “justice must not only be done but also seen to be done,” the association, in the morning, stressed that the credibility of the entire judiciary is at stake. “Public Faith' which is the only power available with judicial system. If faith gone, everything gone and nation will collapse,” it warned.
Senior lawyers also raised concerns about the “Uncle Judges Syndrome,” questioning whether judicial appointments are being influenced by nepotism rather than merit. The meeting saw widespread support for systemic reforms to restore public trust.
In the morning meeting, it was decided that the Bar Association’s resolutions will be forwarded to all Bar Councils, the CJI, and the government, urging legal professionals across India to unite for a “corruption-free nation.” With widespread support from both lawyers and the public, the association resolved to press for judicial transparency and reforms, vowing to fight until justice is served.
As the nation watches closely, the judiciary faces an unprecedented credibility test, with the legal fraternity leading the charge for accountability and reform.
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