Following the claim that large sums of money were recovered from Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma’s home, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association (AHCBA) strongly objected to the proposed repatriation of Varma to the Allahabad High Court, noting that “they aren’t trash bins.”
The letter, which was sent by AHCBA president advocate Anil Tiwari, states that the High Court’s attorneys are shocked to learn that Justice Yashwant Varma was returned to the Allahabad High Court by the Supreme Court due to his involvement in corruption, as evidenced by media reports that the fire department had discovered ₹15 crores in his bungalow.
In October 2021, Justice Varma was moved from the Allahabad High Court to the Delhi High Court after being promoted to the position of judge. “This decision of the collegium of the Supreme Court raises a serious question as to whether the Allahabad High Court is thrash bin? This matter becomes important when we examine the current situation wherein the Allahabad High Court is short of judges and despite the continuous problems, new judges have not appointed since last many years,” the letter reads.
The lawyer’s association also voiced serious concerns about the appointment of judges, which elevates members of the profession without consulting them. “Due to shortage of judges, hearing in the fresh cases is not happening for months but this does not mean that we are thrash bin. We are not ready to accept corruption,” the letter says.
It goes on to say that the public’s trust in the judiciary has suffered greatly as a result of corruption brought on by what appears to be inadequate assessment of eligibility. “We cannot say that this situation is not in the knowledge of the Apex Court. Time and again the SC has observed about the Allahabad High Court like “Something rotten in Allahabad High Court”,” the letter reads.
It further stated that the Bar believes there is a plot to split the Allahabad High Court into various factions, which the AHCBA will fight to the end. Advocate Tiwari stated that “not everyone has the courage to speak against judges” in response to the president’s letter, which was sent without the general body’s approval, as noted by a few attorneys connected to the AHCBA.
Justice Yashwant Varma’s family reportedly summoned the police and fire department when a fire broke out in his home residence. Official entries regarding the seizure of undeclared money of Rs. 15 crores were made after the police discovered a significant quantity of cash inside a room after the fire was extinguished. After considering the case, the Supreme Court and the college unanimously agreed to return Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court.
The Bar has also called for a General House meeting to take a “suitable decision” on March 24. Supreme Court has also initiated an In-House inquiry against Justice Varma.
