The Allahabad High Court Bar Association (HCBA) has declared an indefinite strike starting today in protest against the Supreme Court collegium’s recommendation to transfer Justice Varma from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court. The HCBA has also urged the Central Government not to approve the transfer.

In a resolution passed yesterday, the Bar Association called for impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma. It also announced the indefinite closure of the Photo Affidavit Centre from March 26, halting the filing of fresh cases. The association warned that it would not oppose action against oath commissioners or Government advocates who continue their duties.

The protest follows the recent recovery of unaccounted cash from an outhouse at Justice Varma’s residence after firefighters responded to a fire. Allegations of corruption have surfaced, though Justice Varma has denied them, calling it a conspiracy.

On March 22, the Chief Justice of India had initiated an in-house inquiry, assigning a panel of three High Court judges to investigate.

The collegium had discussed Justice Varma’s transfer on March 20, but an official statement was only released on March 24, confirming his repatriation to the Allahabad High Court. The HCBA, which had already opposed the move, immediately announced its indefinite strike in response.

In a latest development Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankar, has called an all -party meeting to deliberate the issue of cash recovery from the house of the Judge.