'We Aren't A Trash Bin; Corruption Unacceptable': Allahabad HCBA Opposes Justice Yashwant Verma's Proposed Repatriation Over Cash Recovery

In a strongly worded letter to the Chief Justice as well as all the Judges of the Allahabad High Court, the Allahabad High Court Bar Association has opposed the proposed repatriation of Justice Yashwant Verma of the Delhi High Court back to the Allahabad High Court following the alleged recovery of a large sum of cash from his residence.

In a statement issued earlier today, the HCBA has emphasized that "we aren't a trash bin" and made it clear that corruption is unacceptable to it. This opposition comes after reports surfaced about "Rs. 15 crores of cash" found at Justice Verma's official residence in Delhi. 

The Association letter states that it "was taken aback" by the decision of the Supreme Court collegium to transfer Justice Verma to his parent High Court.

"This decision of the collegeum of the Supreme Court raises a serious question as to whether the Allahabad High Court is trash bin? This matter becomes important when we examine the current situation wherein the Allahabad High Court is short of hon'ble judges and despite the continuous problems, new judges have not appointed since last many years. It is also of grave concern that while appointing judges by elevating members of the Bar, the Bar was never consulted. Consideration of eligibility appears to be not upto the mark. Something is lacking which has resulted in corruption and consequently, a great damage has been caused to the "public faith in judiciary", the letter states.

The letter adds that while the High Court is facing "so many problems", especially a shortage of judges resulting in fresh cases not being heard for months, which is "diminishing the faith of the public in the rule of law", it "does not mean that we are thrashing bin". 

Against this backdrop, adding that the Bar Association feels that a conspiracy behind all these factors is to divide the Allahabad High Court into parts, the Association has decided to convene an emergent General House meeting to take a "suitable decision". The meeting will take place on Monday, March 24 at 01:15 P.M. 

It may be noted that the Supreme Court has also initiated an In-House inquiry against Delhi HC Judge, Justice Yashwant Verma.