Allahabad High Court Bar Association Opposes Transfer of Justice Yashwant Verma Amid Cash Scandal

(Judicial Quest News Network)

In a fiery and unprecedented move, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association has vehemently opposed the Supreme Court’s recommendation to transfer Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Verma to their court, following the shocking discovery of a massive stash of unaccounted cash at his residence. The Bar Association has made it clear that they will not tolerate any attempts to undermine the integrity of their judicial system, declaring that Allahabad High Court is “not a trash bin” for corrupt judges.

The controversy erupted on Friday after reports emerged that a staggering sum of money—reportedly around 15 crore rupees—was found at Justice Verma’s residence when firefighters arrived to extinguish a fire. According to various media outlets, the firefighters, while combating the blaze, inadvertently uncovered the hidden cash, raising serious questions about the judge’s conduct and financial dealings.

In a press release issued shortly after the news broke, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association expressed shock and dismay over the transfer recommendation, which came from the Supreme Court collegium following the cash discovery. Anil Tiwari, President of the Bar Association, strongly denounced the decision, emphasizing that the Allahabad High Court should not be seen as a place for judges with questionable integrity.

“Allahabad High Court is not a trash bin that he has been sent here. We will not accept corrupt individuals. If needed, we will shut down the court and go sine die,” Tiwari stated firmly. “The Bar will not stand by and allow such a move to tarnish the reputation of our High Court. We will take further action if necessary.”

A General Body Meeting of the Bar Association has been scheduled for Monday, March 24th, at 1:15 p.m. in the library hall, where members will discuss the next steps and the potential consequences of this controversial transfer. Tiwari made it clear that the Bar would not tolerate a situation where corrupt judges were simply shifted to other courts without consequences.

The situation has sparked a frenzy within the legal fraternity, and the Bar Association’s statement highlights concerns that the decision to transfer Verma to Allahabad High Court could be part of a larger, worrying trend. The association pointed out that Allahabad High Court, already grappling with a severe shortage of judges and long-standing vacancies, should not be further burdened with a judge whose integrity is now under question. The Bar also raised concerns about the Supreme Court collegium’s apparent failure to consult the Bar on the eligibility of judges being elevated and transferred, questioning the transparency of the process.

The Bar Association’s press release went on to highlight the deteriorating situation at Allahabad High Court, where the shortage of judges has led to delays in hearing fresh cases, thus undermining public faith in the judiciary. The Bar emphasized that despite these challenges, Allahabad High Court remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining its reputation as a corruption-free judicial body.

Furthermore, the statement referenced earlier remarks made by the Supreme Court, where it had acknowledged issues at Allahabad High Court, with one comment remarking that “something is rotten” within the institution. The Bar Association expressed grave concern over the possibility of a concerted effort to divide the court and undermine its integrity, noting that it remains committed to fighting corruption at all costs.

This development has sparked a broader debate about judicial accountability and transparency, with many questioning whether enough is being done to ensure that the highest standards of integrity are upheld across the Indian judiciary.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the upcoming General Body Meeting, where the future of Justice Verma’s transfer and the broader implications for Allahabad High Court will be discussed in detail. The legal community is eagerly awaiting the next steps in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes battle for the credibility and transparency of India’s judicial system.

[Read Press Release]