“Allahabad HC Not Trash Bin”: Bar Association Opposes Justice Varma’s Repatriation Amid Cash Row

Prayagraj- The Allahabad High Court Bar Association strongly opposed the repatriation of Justice Yashwant Varma following the discovery of unaccounted cash — allegedly ₹15 crore — from his residence. In a letter to the Chief Justice and other judges of the High Court, the association declared that the court is “not a trash bin,” raising concerns over the Supreme Court Collegium’s decision to transfer Justice Varma back to Allahabad after the incident.

The controversy erupted after firefighters, responding to a blaze at Justice Varma’s Delhi bungalow during Holi on March 14, uncovered the massive pile of cash and informed the authorities. Subsequently, the Supreme Court decided to transfer Justice Varma back to the Allahabad High Court, pending further investigation.

The Bar Association expressed shock over the Collegium’s move, questioning the lack of transparency in judicial appointments and highlighting the severe shortage of judges at the Allahabad High Court. “New judges have not been appointed for many years. This decision raises serious questions — is the Allahabad High Court a trash bin?” the letter stated.

'We Aren't A Trash Bin; Corruption Unacceptable': Allahabad HCBA Opposes Justice Yashwant Verma's Repatriation Over '₹15 Crores' Cash Recovery | @ISparshUpadhyay #JusticeYashwantVerma #DelhiHighCourt #AllahabadHighCourthttps://t.co/2q1qDvnrzP

— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) March 21, 2025

Echoing concerns raised by senior advocates like Kapil Sibal and Indira Jaising, the association also criticized the Collegium system for failing to consult the Bar while elevating members to the Bench. “Consideration of eligibility appears to be lacking, resulting in corruption and damaging public faith in the judiciary,” the association added.

The Bar Association further alleged that these developments seemed part of a “conspiracy to divide the Allahabad High Court into parts” and announced a general meeting on Monday to decide the next course of action.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has ordered a preliminary inquiry into the cash discovery. Depending on its outcome, Justice Varma could face resignation or removal from office under Article 124(4) of the Constitution.

Justice Varma, born in Allahabad in 1969 and transferred to Delhi in 2021, has not commented on the allegations and is reportedly “on leave” for the day, according to his court officers. His transfer back to Allahabad will only be official after the union government’s approval.