Allahabad HC Bar protests Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer.
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has launched an indefinite strike in protest against the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma, calling for the immediate reconsideration and withdrawal of the transfer order. The association’s president, Anil Tiwari, emphasized that their agitation is not against any individual but against a system that lacks transparency and fairness.
The legal fraternity in Allahabad has expressed strong displeasure over the decision, arguing that such transfers should be carried out with clear reasoning and proper consultation. Lawyers have boycotted court proceedings, bringing judicial work to a standstill.
The protest is gaining momentum as advocates continue to demand greater accountability from the collegium system that governs judicial transfers. Senior lawyers argue that abrupt transfers of judges without proper justification undermine the independence of the judiciary and affect the delivery of justice. The strike is expected to continue until the demand is met.
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association on Tuesday (March 25, 2025) began an indefinite strike to protest against the proposed transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court. The legal fraternity has strongly opposed the move, calling for greater transparency and fairness in judicial transfers.
Bar Association’s Stand
The Bar Association’s president, Anil Tiwari, emphasized that their agitation is not against any individual but against a system that lacks transparency.
The protest has led to a complete shutdown of judicial work, with lawyers boycotting court proceedings. The Bar Association argues that such transfers should be carried out with clear reasoning and proper consultation to maintain the credibility and independence of the judiciary.
Broader Implications of the Protest
Legal experts and senior advocates have expressed concerns over the implications of abrupt judicial transfers. Many believe that such decisions should be more transparent and based on objective criteria rather than administrative discretion. The indefinite strike has garnered support from legal professionals across the country, sparking debates on the collegium system that governs judicial transfers.
In recent years, the issue of judicial transfers has been a point of contention, with legal scholars advocating for reforms to ensure greater accountability. The Bar Association’s protest adds to the ongoing discourse about the need for a more structured and transparent approach to such decisions.
Impact on Judicial Proceedings
With court proceedings at a standstill, the backlog of cases in the Allahabad High Court is expected to increase. Litigants who depend on timely judicial relief now face delays, further straining the already burdened judicial system. Despite this, the Bar Association remains firm in its stance, stating that the long-term independence of the judiciary is more crucial than temporary disruptions in legal proceedings.
“We understand that litigants may face hardships due to the strike, but it is important to stand against an opaque system that affects judicial integrity,” said a senior lawyer participating in the protest.
Government and Judicial Response
So far, there has been no official response from the Supreme Court or the Ministry of Law and Justice regarding the protest. However, sources indicate that discussions may take place within the judiciary to address the concerns raised by the Bar Association. Legal experts suggest that if the protest continues, it could lead to broader discussions on judicial reforms and transfer policies.
The collegium system, which is responsible for judicial appointments and transfers, has faced criticism for its lack of transparency. While it was introduced to ensure judicial independence, critics argue that it operates without sufficient accountability, leading to arbitrary decisions. The current protest has reignited calls for reforms to make the process more open and consultative.
Looking Ahead
As the indefinite strike continues, the legal community awaits a response from the higher judiciary and the government. The outcome of this protest could set a precedent for how future judicial transfers are handled. Many hope that the agitation will lead to constructive reforms in the transfer policy, ensuring that judicial independence is upheld while maintaining procedural transparency.
Until then, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association remains steadfast in its demand, with lawyers refusing to return to work unless their concerns are addressed. Whether this protest will lead to a reversal of Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer or broader systemic changes remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly brought judicial accountability into the spotlight once again.