The Centre has approved the Supreme Court collegium’s recommendation to transfer Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma to the Allahabad High Court amid an alleged cash stash controversy.

The decision was confirmed in a notification by the Union Law Ministry, citing Article 222 of the Constitution, which allows the President to transfer judges after consulting the Chief Justice of India. Justice Varma has been directed to assume his new role at the Allahabad High Court.

His transfer has sparked protests among Allahabad High Court lawyers, who argue that their court is being treated as a “dumping ground.” However, the Supreme Court has clarified that the transfer is not linked to the cash stash inquiry.

The controversy stems from a fire at a structure on Justice Varma’s bungalow premises, allegedly destroying a large sum of cash. He has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations baseless and damaging to his reputation.