Judicial Transparency Under Scrutiny: Bar Associations Challenge Collegium's Decisions

Bar leaders from six Indian high courts met with the Chief Justice of India and other collegium members to discuss concerns over the recommendation to transfer Justice Yashwant Varma. The discussions centered around transparency, judicial integrity, and allegations of corruption, amid a backdrop of indefinite strikes and demands for systemic reform.

The Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, alongside four collegium members, convened on Thursday with bar leaders from six high courts. The dialogue centered on the contentious transfer recommendation for Delhi High Court's Justice Yashwant Varma, a matter drawing significant attention and concern among high court associations.

Representatives expressed apprehensions over broader issues, primarily focusing on judicial transparency and integrity. Notably, the bar leaders emphasized that Varma's situation symbolizes a larger problem within the judicial system. They urged for a mechanism to address corrupt practices, echoing a collective call for a credible judiciary.

Tensions are also high due to the indefinite strike by the Allahabad High Court Bar Association and recent allegations of evidence tampering at Justice Varma's residence. This ongoing unrest highlights the complex dynamics within India's judiciary and the urgent demand for reform and transparency.

(With inputs from agencies.)