Justice Varma takes oath, Bar association slams move

Justice Yashwant Varma was sworn in as a judge of the Allahabad High Court on Saturday. Departing from the tradition of public ceremonies, Justice Varma took oath at a private event, a decision that has drawn condemnation of the High Court Bar Association (HCBA) here.

The development comes amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of semi-burnt sacks of cash being recovered from his residence just weeks ago.

Despite his formal induction, Justice Varma has not been assigned any judicial or administrative responsibilities, according to sources within the court. His recent transfer from the Delhi High Court to Allahabad has faced criticism, especially after a PIL was filed before the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court.

The HCBA claimed that Justice Varma was administered the oath in a “clandestine" manner.

The lawyers’ body, which had opposed the transfer of the judge, questioned why “this oath was not notified to the Bar" and alleged that it had once again eroded the trust of people in the judicial system.

In a letter addressed to Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, HCBA secretary Vikrant Pandey contended that “legally and traditionally, the oath administered to Justice Varma is fallacious and unacceptable".

“The entire Bar Association is at pains to learn about the clandestine manner in which Justice Yashwant Varma has been administered the oath of office at Allahabad," the letter said.

“We unequivocally condemn the manner in which Justice Varma was administered the oath behind our backs," he said.

There was no official word from the high court on the swearing-in of the judge.

Pandey said, “subscription to oath has traditionally and continuously been conducted in open court".

“Keeping the lawyer fraternity uninformed may erode their confidence in this institution. We request our Chief Justice to protect the fundamental values and follow the traditions of this institution," he said.

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