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Synopsis

The High Court Bar Association, Allahabad has intensified its protest against judicial corruption, now moving to enforce strict disciplinary action against members defying the ongoing judicial boycott. In a significant move on March 26, 2025, the association suspended the membership of an advocate who was found arguing cases in court despite the collective decision to abstain from judicial work. A show-cause notice has been issued, demanding an explanation within two working days, failing which further action may be taken, including a recommendation to strike the advocate’s name off the high court’s advocate roll.

The disciplinary action follows a resolution passed by the Bar Association’s General House meeting on March 25, 2025, stating that any advocate who participated in judicial work from March 26 onward would face cancellation of their membership. The resolution was part of a broader movement launched by the association against alleged corruption in the judiciary and the recent transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court. The association has accused the Supreme Court collegium of ignoring their concerns and has been calling for a complete overhaul of the system.

Despite the resolution, Advocate Chandan was found presenting arguments in Court No. 47. When approached by association office bearers, he allegedly misbehaved with them, leading to the immediate suspension of his membership. General Secretary Vikrant Pandey issued the show-cause notice, warning that further steps, including a recommendation to revoke his enrollment as an advocate, could follow if he fails to provide a satisfactory explanation.

This latest action underscores the growing tensions between the bar and the judiciary, with the association showing no signs of backing down. The Bar Association had already escalated its protest by reaching out to district bar associations across Uttar Pradesh, urging them to support the movement against judicial corruption. Senior Advocate and Association President Anil Tiwari had written to all district bar associations on March 25, emphasizing the need for collective action to ensure a nationwide movement.

Adding to the intensifying protest, the association has also shut down the photo affidavit center at the high court indefinitely from March 26. It has warned oath commissioners and government advocates that if they continue working, they will also face disciplinary proceedings.

The ongoing boycott and disciplinary actions signal a serious standoff between the legal fraternity and the judiciary. With the Bar Association now taking punitive measures against its own members to enforce the boycott, the protest is expected to gain further traction. How the judiciary and the Supreme Court collegium respond to these developments remains to be seen.