Allahabad, March 21, 2025 — In a dramatic move signaling deep unrest within legal circles, the High Court Bar Association (HCBA), Allahabad, passed a strongly worded resolution on Thursday expressing grave concern over what it termed as “arbitrary, biased and high-handed” judicial functioning by a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court. The resolution, adopted unanimously in a General Body Meeting, has sent ripples through the legal fraternity and reignited discussions about judicial accountability.
The resolution alleges that the judge in question has been consistently delivering orders that are prejudicial, particularly targeting advocates and even members of the Bar Association. It notes instances where directions for FIRs and coercive actions were issued without hearing affected parties, especially lawyers representing clients in sensitive matters. The association termed such actions not only unjust but violative of basic principles of natural justice.
In a particularly striking portion, the resolution calls for the Chief Justice of the High Court to take note of the alleged misconduct and administrative overreach. The HCBA has sought the removal of judicial work from the concerned judge, pending a transparent inquiry into the complaints raised. The resolution warns that if no remedial action is taken, the association will be compelled to take further democratic steps, including boycotts and symbolic protests.
Legal observers view the resolution as reflective of a growing tension between the bench and the bar, especially amid rising instances of perceived judicial overreach. The Bar Association reiterated that its stance is not against the judiciary per se but aimed at protecting the dignity of advocates and upholding constitutional values.
“Judges are expected to embody fairness, impartiality, and judicial restraint,” the resolution reads. “The moment these tenets are ignored, the credibility of the institution comes under strain.”
While the identity of the judge was not officially disclosed in the resolution, insiders suggest that the actions stem from a series of recent courtroom incidents and orders that have drawn criticism from advocates.
The HCBA has also urged the Chief Justice of India to look into the broader issue of accountability mechanisms for higher judiciary judges, stressing that unchecked power without internal corrective mechanisms poses a threat to the health of democracy.
Further the bar has called upon the General House to be held on 24.03.2025 (Monday) at 01:15 P.M. in Library Hall of the Association. All members have been requested to attend the meeting as the matter is about existence of judiciary.
This development comes at a time when debates around judicial transparency, collegium reforms, and internal grievance redressal in the higher judiciary are gaining renewed momentum nationwide.
