‘Faith Shattered’: Furious Allahabad HC Lawyers Demand Reintroduction Of NJAC, Seeks Impeachment Of Justice Yashwant Varma

After India's biggest judicial corruption scandal was exposed, turbulence in the judicial system continues to grow. The row over the recovery of alleged Rs 15 crore cash pile from Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma's residence has now taken a new turn. Allahabad HC Bar Association has launched an indefinite strike against Justice Varma’s transfer order by the SC collegium. As demand for the impeachment of accused judge gains momentum, Allahabad HC lawyers and have demanded to reintroduce National Judicial Appointments Commission – NJAC. It has also called for central agencies to probe the case against Justice Varma. The Allahabad Bar Association has also sent its delegation to New Delhi to hold a meet with the central government.

“Our faith has been shattered. We want government to introduce NJAC. The government should intervene now. All should come in support of this. We are opposing the collegium system. We want a transparent and independent system,” Anil Tiwari, Allahabad HCBA President told Republic. 

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The Allahabad HC Bar Association has sent a letter to the government listing its demands. It has also urged the central government not to clear the Supreme Court Collegium's decision to transfer the accused judge.

"A proposal was passed unanimously stating that we will strongly oppose any future attempts to transfer Hon'ble Justice Yashwant Varma of the Hon'ble Allahabad High Court. However, despite this, the Supreme Court Collegium, in its meeting today, ignored the demand of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association and passed an order for the transfer of Hon'ble Justice Shri Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court. Deeply upset by this, we have unanimously decided to abstain from judicial work until further notice," the Bar Association’s resolution passed on March 24 read.

Arnab's Questions On Justice Varma's Questionable Reaction To India's Biggest Judicial Scandal - WATCH HERE 

What Is Justice Yashwant Varma Burning Cash Scandal?

Huge controversy has erupted after a fire that broken out at the residential bungalow of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma led to an accidental recovery of a huge pile of cash last week. This major judicial scandal has led Supreme Court Collegium led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna to recommend the transfer of Justice Varma back to his parent High Court - Allahabad High Court on March which met enough backlash from corridors. The Allahabad Bar Association was quick to oppose the decision. Denying all accusations, Justice Varma has called a conspiracy against him. 

Later, on March 22, the CJI initiated an in-house inquiry. A panel comprising of three High Court judges was formed to probe the allegations against Justice Varma.

What are demands of Allahabad HCBA?

• The HCBA has requested CJI Sanjiv Khanna not to transfer Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court or any other court. ‘No court is a dumping ground’ - it mentioned.
• Justice Varma should not be allowed to move out of Delhi until the completion of the investigation.
• All judgments delivered by Justice Varma should be reviewed and scrutinised to restore public confidence.
• Permit the CBI and ED to lodge an FIR.

Supreme Court clarifies Justice Varma's transfer 

Amid massive criticism from all sections of the society, the Supreme Court clarified that the recent transfer order for Justice Varma was not related to the cash recovery scandal. The CJI has formed a 3-member panel and it had decided to withdraw all judicial duties from Justice Varma. The probe committee with Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of Punjab & Haryana High Court, Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court, and Anu Sivaraman, Judge of the Karnataka High Court will now launch a probe into the allegations.

Shocking Video of Burnt Pile Of Cash 

On Saturday, a video showing a pile of burnt notes at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma emerged which sparked a massive uproar. Watch here - Video Of Sacks Of Cash Being Burnt At Justice Varma's House Out & SC Makes 25-Page Enquiry Report