Allahabad High Court Bar on Indefinite Strike After Collegium Recommends Repatriation of Justice Yashwant Varma

In a strong response to the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation to transfer Justice Yashwant Varma from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has announced an indefinite strike starting today. The decision follows the Collegium's official order on March 24, 2025, and the HCBA's resolution passed on the same day, which opposes the transfer.

Opposition to Transfer
The HCBA expressed its strong discontent with the Collegium's decision, emphasizing their opposition to Justice Varma’s repatriation to Allahabad High Court, despite previous resolutions passed by the Bar Association demanding otherwise. The Bar Association head urged the Central Government to intervene and prevent the implementation of the transfer recommendation.

"In the General Assembly of the Allahabad High Court Bar Association held today, on 24.03.2025, a proposal was passed unanimously stating that we will strongly oppose any future attempts to transfer Hon'ble Justice Shri 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," the Bar body's resolution stated.

Impact of the Strike
The Bar Association's indefinite strike will halt all judicial work at the Allahabad High Court. Furthermore, the Photo Affidavit Centre will remain closed indefinitely from March 26, which will prevent the filing of fresh cases. The Association also issued a warning that they will not oppose any actions taken against oath commissioners or government advocates who choose to continue their duties during the strike.

Impeachment Calls and Corruption Allegations
The HCBA had previously passed a resolution calling for the impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma following a controversial incident. Last week, unaccounted cash was found at an outhouse on Justice Varma's property after firefighters were called to extinguish a fire. The Bar Association claims the discovery led to allegations of corruption, although Justice Varma has vehemently denied the accusations, describing them as part of a conspiracy to frame him.

The Chief Justice of India (CJI) initiated an in-house inquiry on March 22, tasking a panel of three High Court judges to look into the corruption allegations. However, the HCBA expressed that this step was insufficient, as judges cannot adjudicate their own cases.

Timeline of Events
On March 20, the Collegium met to discuss the repatriation of Justice Varma back to his parent Allahabad High Court. An official statement was not immediately released, but the Allahabad Bar quickly voiced its opposition to the potential transfer. Later, on March 24, the Collegium issued an official recommendation for Justice Varma’s transfer, prompting the HCBA to launch the indefinite strike.