Lawyers at Allahabad High Court Continue Boycott Against Transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma
By Rajesh Pandey
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association (HCBA) intensified its protest on Wednesday as lawyers continued their boycott of judicial work for the third straight day. The ongoing agitation is in response to the Supreme Court collegium’s recommendation to transfer Delhi High Court Judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, back to his parent court in Allahabad.
In a show of solidarity, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Bar Association extended its support to the HCBA’s demand and also decided to abstain from judicial proceedings in the Tribunal on Wednesday. This move further strengthened the protest, reflecting the legal fraternity’s strong opposition to the transfer order.
Protests Intensify at High Court Premises
The lawyers, under the banner of the HCBA, held a series of meetings at the main entrance of the high court to discuss their strategy. These gatherings, presided over by senior vice-president Rajesh Khare, served as a platform for members to voice their concerns over the decision. Several speakers addressed the gathering, unanimously condemning the proposed transfer and urging authorities to reconsider and revoke the decision immediately.
The HCBA resolved to persist with its agitation and confirmed that the boycott of judicial work would continue on Thursday, March 27. The association reiterated that until their demands are met, they will not resume legal proceedings in the high court.
Demands and Resolutions Passed by HCBA
In addition to opposing Justice Varma’s transfer, the bar association adopted several resolutions aimed at improving the judicial system in the Allahabad High Court. These include:
- Regulation of ‘Kith and Kin’ Practice – The bar demanded a strict check on relatives of judges practicing in the same high court, emphasizing the need to maintain impartiality and transparency in judicial proceedings.
- Changes in the Case Listing System – Lawyers voiced concerns over delays in hearings and demanded a revised case listing system where older cases are given priority over newly filed ones. They stressed that cases pending for years should be addressed first.
- Support from State Government Counsels – The HCBA called upon the counsels representing the state government to extend their full cooperation in the ongoing strike, ensuring a united front against the collegium’s decision.
Warning to Lawyers Violating Boycott
To maintain discipline within the legal fraternity, the HCBA issued a stern warning to those lawyers who defied the association’s resolution and participated in judicial proceedings despite the boycott. The association stated that such members would be required to provide a satisfactory explanation for their actions, failing which their membership in the bar association could be revoked.
Call for Meeting with Former Office-Bearers
In a press release issued by HCBA Secretary Vikrant Pandey, all former office-bearers of the association have been urged to attend a crucial meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 27, at 2 p.m. in the old study hall of the high court. The purpose of this meeting is to gather insights and suggestions from senior members to outline the future course of action in the ongoing protest.
The lawyers’ boycott, coupled with the growing support from other legal bodies, has created significant pressure on judicial authorities. With the protest gaining momentum, it remains to be seen whether the Supreme Court collegium will reconsider its decision regarding Justice Yashwant Varma’s transfer.
