The Centre has officially notified the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court amid ongoing controversies surrounding his conduct and allegations of cash discovery at his residence. This decision follows a tumultuous period marked by protests from the Allahabad High Court Bar Association (HCBA) and demands for investigations into the circumstances surrounding the transfer.
However the Supreme Court has directed that no Judicial Work be assigned to Justice Varma, till further orders.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began on March 14, 2025, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official residence in Lutyens’ Delhi. Following the incident, reports emerged that burnt wads of cash were found in a storeroom, raising serious questions about potential misconduct. Justice Varma has vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that neither he nor his family had placed any cash at the location. In response to these developments, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended his transfer back to his parent high court in Allahabad, where he previously served before his appointment in Delhi.
Bar Associations’ Reaction
In light of the allegations and the proposed transfer, several bar associations—including those from Allahabad, Gujarat, and Kerala—submitted a memorandum to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, urging him to reconsider the transfer. They expressed concerns over the lack of an FIR regarding the cash discovery incident and called for a thorough investigation into Justice Varma’s conduct.
The Allahabad HCBA initiated an indefinite strike on March 25, 2025, to protest against Justice Varma’s transfer. The association’s president, Anil Tiwari, emphasized that their actions were not personal but aimed at restoring public confidence in the judicial system. He stated that if corruption within the judiciary is tolerated, it could lead to a situation where “mafia will run courts in this country”.
Government Notification and Ongoing Protests
On March 28, 2025, the Centre formally notified Justice Varma’s transfer to Allahabad High Court. The order was issued under Article 222 of the Constitution after consultations with the Chief Justice.
