Allahabad High Court Bar Association Demands Impeachment of Justice Yashwant Verma, Calls for CBI and ED Probe
(Judicial Quest News Network)
In a dramatic turn of events, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has called for the impeachment of Delhi High Court Judge Justice Yashwant Verma, urging the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to take immediate action. The resolution passed by the Bar Association on Monday follows a series of explosive allegations against Justice Verma, including charges of corruption, which have sparked widespread controversy and debate within India’s legal community.
The call for impeachment comes after Justice Verma’s alleged involvement in a scandalous incident last week, where cash was reportedly recovered from an outhouse on his residence following a firefighting operation. While Justice Verma has denied the allegations, maintaining that the accusations are part of a conspiracy to frame him, the incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the judiciary.
During a meeting held on Monday afternoon, the HCBA not only condemned the actions of Justice Verma but also expressed strong opposition to any potential transfer of the judge back to his parent High Court, the Allahabad High Court. Earlier, the Supreme Court Collegium had discussed the possibility of repatriating Justice Verma to Allahabad, but the Bar Association wasted no time in making it clear that they would vehemently oppose such a move.
The president of HCBA Mr. Anil Tiwari while passing this resolution said that this transfer underscores the gravity of the situation, with the association asserting that if such allegations against a sitting judge are not addressed, the credibility of India’s judicial system, particularly the High Court and Supreme Court, would be irreparably harmed. The resolution read, “The judiciary, especially the High Court and Supreme Court, may no longer claim the moral high ground. Immediate steps should be taken to initiate impeachment proceedings against the delinquent judge.”
The timing of these developments is critical, following the recovery of cash at Justice Verma’s residence and the subsequent in-house inquiry initiated by the Supreme Court on March 22. While a panel of three High Court judges has been tasked with investigating the matter, the HCBA has voiced concerns that such an inquiry may be insufficient, arguing that judges cannot be allowed to judge their own conduct.
The HCBA also pointed out that such actions by the Supreme Court’s Collegium in appointing and potentially transferring Justice Verma raise further questions about the transparency and fairness of the judicial appointment process in India. The association called for a complete overhaul of the Collegium system, accusing it of operating in secrecy and being overly influenced by family connections and political ties.
In addition to calling for Justice Verma’s impeachment, the HCBA has demanded that an FIR (First Information Report) be filed against him and that a full-fledged investigation be carried out by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and other relevant authorities. The Bar Association’s resolution declared, “The conduct of a sitting High Court judge has shocked the nation, and the functionality of the Constitution is at stake. Continuing with Justice Verma on the bench is dangerous for democracy, as it erodes public faith in the judicial system, which is the only power available to uphold justice.”
Furthermore, the HCBA urged that all judgments delivered by Justice Verma should be revisited, reflecting the serious concerns over his conduct. The Bar Association also emphasized that the immunity generally afforded to judges from criminal prosecution applies only to actions taken in their professional capacity. Since the alleged incident does not fall within this scope, the HCBA argued that Justice Verma should not be immune from a criminal investigation.
In a final, strong statement, the HCBA expressed its belief that reforming the judicial appointment process is essential for restoring public faith in the judicial system. The current system, they argued, has allowed for a non-transparent process in which judges are appointed based on familial or political connections rather than merit.
As the controversy surrounding Justice Verma continues to unfold, the demand for accountability from the judiciary and the call for sweeping reforms in India’s judicial system have never been more urgent. The HCBA’s resolution is a testament to the legal community’s resolve to ensure transparency and integrity within India’s judicial institutions.
[Read the Resolution]
