
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has sought the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma after the purported discovery of a large sum of money at his official residence. The association has also protested his suggested transfer to the Allahabad High Court and sought a complete review of all the judgments that he passed while serving at the Allahabad and Delhi High Courts.
The bar association has asked the Chief Justice of India to advise the government to initiate impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma. The association has come out strongly against the Supreme Court Collegium's suggestion to send Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court, calling it unacceptable.
There is a demand for a reconsideration of all judgments issued by Justice Varma during his time at the Allahabad and Delhi High Courts to regain the confidence of the public in the judiciary.
The bar association has sought that the Chief Justice of India allow investigating agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to register an FIR and conduct a proper investigation into the issue.
The furor followed after a fire incident at Justice Varma's residence in Lutyens Delhi on March 14, where substantial amounts of burnt cash were found, according to reports. At the time, Justice Varma and his wife were in Bhopal. The Supreme Court Collegium ordered his transfer to the Allahabad High Court following this, something that has encountered opposition from the bar association.
Justice Varma has dismissed any connection to the money recovered at his home, terming the accusations a "conspiracy to malign" him. He has said that he and his family members knew nothing about the money, labeling the implication that the money was theirs as "preposterous."
This development has generated strong concerns about judicial integrity and has raised issues about the processes of judicial appointment and transfer. The strong position taken by the bar association indicates the legal fraternity's determination to protect the integrity of the judiciary.