The Allahabad High Court Bar Association (AHCBA) on Tuesday launched an indefinite strike to protest the proposed transfer of Delhi High Court Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court.

Leading the protest at Gate Number 3 of the high court, Bar Association President Anil Tiwari emphasised that the agitation was not directed against any court or judge but against what he described as a betrayal of the judicial system. “Our fight is against corruption and a system that lacks transparency. We demand a reconsideration and withdrawal of the transfer order,” he said.

The association had reiterated its opposition to Justice Varma’s transfer on and subsequently decided to cease work indefinitely. Tiwari asserted that the lawyers were prepared for a prolonged battle. “From the very beginning, there has been an attempt to cover up this matter. Lawyers across India are now fighting this battle. Until a resolution is reached, we will not resume work, regardless of the consequences,” he declared.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court collegium on Monday reaffirmed its decision to recommend Justice Varma’s transfer to his parent Allahabad High Court. This followed allegations that a large sum of cash was found at his official residence in Delhi after a fire broke out on March 14. Following the incident, judicial work was withdrawn from Justice Varma, and the Delhi High Court, under Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, issued directives on the matter.

Justice Varma has strongly denied any involvement in the alleged cash discovery, calling it a conspiracy to malign him. “Neither I nor any of my family members placed any cash in the storeroom. I unequivocally denounce the suggestion that the alleged cash belonged to us,” he stated.

With the Bar Association firm on its stance, the standoff over Justice Varma’s transfer is expected to intensify in the coming days.