CJI Assures Bar Bodies To Reconsider Justice Varma’s Transfer Amid Cash Row Controversy

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna on Thursday assured bar associations that their demand to reconsider the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma, linked to a cash recovery scandal, would be addressed. The assurance came after a meeting with the presidents of six bar associations, who have been protesting Varma’s repatriation to the Allahabad High Court. The controversy erupted following the discovery of a large cash pile at Varma’s residence during a fire incident on March 14.

The Allahabad Bar Association, along with five other bar bodies, met CJI Khanna to voice their concerns over Justice Varma’s transfer. “The CJI assured us to consider our demand over Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer,” said Allahabad Bar Association chief Anil Tiwari. The CJI also clarified that judicial work would remain withdrawn from Varma, even after his transfer to the Allahabad High Court.

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Justice Varma was repatriated from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court after a fire at his residence revealed a significant amount of cash. The Delhi High Court registry subsequently withdrew his judicial duties. However, the Supreme Court Collegium’s decision to transfer Varma triggered protests, with the Allahabad Bar Association launching an indefinite strike, refusing to accept judges facing corruption allegations.

In their memorandum to the CJI, the bar associations called for eradicating corruption in the judiciary and demanded criminal proceedings against Varma, questioning the absence of an FIR despite the incident occurring on March 14. They threatened nationwide sit-in protests by high court bar associations if their demands were not met. Earlier, the CJI had formed a three-member panel to probe the incident.

Following the CJI’s assurance, the Allahabad Bar Association is reconsidering its ongoing strike, with a decision expected soon. Justice Varma, who has dismissed the charges as defamation, remains under scrutiny as the probe continues. The bar bodies’ push for criminal action may lead to further legal developments, with the judiciary facing pressure to address corruption concerns transparently.