The High Court Bar Association (HCBA), Allahabad, has strongly objected to what it describes as a “clandestine” swearing-in of Justice Yashwant Verma at the Allahabad High Court. In a formal letter dated April 5, 2025, addressed to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the High Court, the HCBA expressed serious concerns over the secrecy surrounding the oath-taking ceremony and its implications on the transparency and credibility of the judiciary.
The HCBA stated that despite an ongoing in-house enquiry against Justice Verma—initiated after prima facie credible evidence was found—the judge was administered the oath without informing or involving the Bar. The Association emphasized that the process appeared to have been deliberately hidden, violating established norms where judicial oath ceremonies are held publicly to uphold transparency.
“In due deference to our remonstration against repatriation of Justice Verma to Allahabad High Court, the Hon’ble CJI had met members of the Bar and assured that appropriate steps would be taken to maintain the dignity of the judicial system,” the letter recalls.
The HCBA argued that administering the oath without informing the legal community undermines judicial propriety. “Justice must not only be done, it should also seem to be done,” the letter asserted, adding that subscription to oath has always been a public affair and any deviation erodes public confidence in the judiciary.
Raising further alarm, the Association noted that it has been informed that even the majority of Hon’ble Judges at the High Court were not made aware of the event. This, it said, made the entire process “fallacious and unacceptable.”
The Bar Association reiterated its previous resolutions opposing the repatriation of Justice Verma, citing concerns about constitutional and institutional propriety. “We unequivocally condemn the manner in which Justice Yashwant Verma was administered oath behind our backs,” wrote HCBA Hony. Secretary Vikrant Pandey.
In conclusion, the HCBA has urged the Hon’ble Chief Justice not to assign any administrative or judicial work to Justice Verma. Copies of the letter have also been sent to key dignitaries including the Prime Minister of India, the Home Minister, the Union Law Minister, and all sitting judges of the Allahabad High Court.
