THE Allahabad High Court Bar Association on Tuesday began an indefinite strike to protest against the proposed transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma to the High Court here. Leading the protesting lawyers gathered at gate number 3 of the High Court, Bar Association President Anil Tiwari told reporters, “This protest is not against any court or judge but against those who have betrayed the judicial system.” He added, “Our fight is against those involved in corruption and against a system that lacks transparency. For now, our demand is a reconsideration and withdrawal of the transfer order.” The Bar Association had reiterated its opposition to Justice Varma’s transfer on Monday and decided to go on an indefinite strike from Tuesday.

 

Tiwari asserted the association was prepared for an all-out battle on this issue. “From the very beginning, there has been an attempt to cover up this matter. Today, lawyers across India are fighting this battle. Until a resolution is reached, we will not resume work, no matter the consequences,” he said on Monday.

 

The Supreme Court collegium on Monday confirmed its decision to recommend transfer of Justice Varma, facing an enquiry over the alleged discovery of huge cash from his official residence and from whom judicial work was withdrawn, to his parent Allahabad High Court. The transfer recommendation to the Centre was made public in a resolution uploaded on the top court website. The alleged cash discovery happened following a fire at Varma’s Lutyens Delhi residence at around 11.35 pm on March 14, prompting the fire officials to rush to the spot and douse it.