“We Are Not a Trash Bin”: Allahabad High Court Slams SC for Transferring Judge After Cash Recovery

In an unprecedented show of dissent, the judges and the Bar Association of the Allahabad High Court have strongly opposed the Supreme Court collegium’s decision to transfer Justice Yashwant Verma back to the Allahabad High Court following the discovery of unaccounted cash at his New Delhi residence.

The letter, addressed to the Supreme Court of India, carried a bold headline: “WE ARE NOT TRASH BIN”, expressing outrage over what they termed a move that undermines judicial integrity and public faith in the judiciary.

Hoards of Cash Discovered After Fire at Justice Verma’s Home

On March 14, a fire broke out at Justice Verma’s New Delhi home while he was away. Emergency services responding to the incident discovered large hoards of cash, according to the fire brigade’s report.

Although official figures have not been released, some media reports allege that the fire resulted in cash being burned, making it difficult to determine the exact amount recovered. The Bar Association’s letter claimed that ₹15 crore was found, but this remains unverified.

Supreme Court Transfers Justice Verma Back to Parent High Court

Following the incident, the Supreme Court convened an emergency meeting and decided to transfer Justice Verma back to the Allahabad High Court, where he was originally appointed before being transferred to the Delhi High Court in October 2021.

The move has sparked significant controversy, especially within the Allahabad High Court, which questioned the rationale behind transferring a judge under serious suspicion back to his parent court.

Judges, Bar Association Criticise Supreme Court’s Collegium Decision

In the strongly worded letter, all sitting judges of the Allahabad High Court, along with the High Court Bar Association, criticised the transfer order, accusing the collegium of treating their court as a “dumping ground” for controversial judges.

“This decision of the collegium of the Supreme Court raises a serious question as to whether the Allahabad High Court is [a] trash bin?” the letter asked.

It also pointed out that the Allahabad High Court is already grappling with a severe shortage of judges, with appointments long overdue. “Instead of addressing this crisis, such decisions damage public trust,” the letter noted.

Bar Flags Lack of Transparency in Judicial Appointments

The letter further highlighted flaws in judicial appointments, claiming that appointments from the Bar lacked proper consultation, and “eligibility considerations are not up to the mark.” The result, according to the Bar, is rising corruption and eroding public faith.

“Something is lacking which has resulted in corruption and consequently, a great damage has been caused to the ‘public faith in judiciary’,” the letter stated.

The Bar also recalled past criticisms from the Supreme Court about the state of affairs in Allahabad High Court, citing remarks like, “Something rotten in Allahabad High Court.”

Call for Judicial Reforms

The Bar and judges urged the Supreme Court to take urgent steps to ensure transparency and accountability in the judiciary. They demanded reforms in the judicial appointment process and stricter measures against those facing corruption allegations.