'Allahabad HC Being Used As Dustbin': Oudh Bar Association Calls Strike To Condemn Justice Yashwant Varma's Transfer

Lucknow: Following the Supreme Court's decision to transfer Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court, the Oudh Bar Association at the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad HC on Tuesday announced a strike on March 28 to condemn the move. 

“The past experiences in such matters are sufficient to establish that Allahabad High Court is being used as a dustbin," an official statement issued by Oudh Bar Association read. 

Earlier, Allahabad High Court Bar Association has announced a strike on Monday over Supreme Court’s decision to repatriate Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma back to his parent Allahabad High Court.

Allahabad High Court Bar Association will go on indefinite strike starting tomorrow to protest the apex court's decision. The bar association had last week said that Allahabad High Court is not a “trash bin” amid allegations of cash discovery at the residence of Justice Varma. 

Bar Associations Protest Justice Varma's Transfer

Before SC's decision to transfer Justice Varma, Allahabad High Court Bar Association had requested the apex court that Delhi HC Judge should remain under “close watch of the Supreme Court” till the proceedings are completed.

Anil Tiwari, President of Allahabad High Court Bar Association said the bar body has requested the Chief Justice of India to permit the CBI and ED to lodge an FIR and proceed with a formal investigation. 

"We have also raised an issue of Uncle Judge syndrome...The concept is that the family members of those judges who are practising in a particular court should not remain in that court. They should go outside to infuse the public confidence and to ensure transparency..." he said. 

In a series of resolutions, the association urged the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to permit investigating agencies to take action against Justice Varma and called for impeachment proceedings against the judge. Additionally, the lawyers refrained from judicial work after the lunch break.

The association also demanded a review of the judgments delivered by the judge.

Cash Found at Delhi HC Judge's Residence? 

The discovery of the alleged cash came after a fire broke out at Varma's Lutyens Delhi residence around 11:35 pm on March 14, prompting fire officials to quickly respond and extinguish the flames.

Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna formed a three-member panel to investigate the discovery of "four to five semi-burnt sacks" of Indian currency notes following the fire incident. This came after an inquiry report was submitted by Justice D K Upadhyaya, the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.