Bengaluru Advocates Association to Hold Candlelight Vigil Over Alleged Judicial Corruption

SAKSHI PARDHE

28 MARCH 2025

​The Advocates’ Association of Bengaluru (AAB) has resolved to organize a statewide candlelight vigil to protest alleged corruption within the judiciary, particularly focusing on the Karnataka High Court’s registry and trial courts. This decision was made during a Special General Body Meeting held on March 24, 2025. ​

The protest aims to highlight concerns over corruption in the judicial system, including issues within the Karnataka High Court’s registry related to case postings and perceived inaction by the vigilance department in addressing corruption in trial courts. The AAB emphasized the need to “dispel the darkness and bring light to our judiciary.”

The meeting also addressed the recent discovery of a large sum of burnt cash at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma in New Delhi, which has reportedly shaken public confidence in the judiciary. The AAB expressed concern that such incidents erode the credibility of the judicial system and undermine the rule of law.

Furthermore, the association discussed allegations made by Minister K. N. Rajanna in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly regarding judges being honey-trapped. The AAB has called for an investigation into these claims to uphold judicial integrity.

In addition to organizing the candlelight vigil, the AAB has proposed several measures to enhance transparency and accountability within the judiciary, including:​

• Transferring judges facing corruption allegations to different jurisdictions.​
• Requiring annual public disclosure of assets and liabilities by judges and their family members.
• Reforming the collegium system to address concerns of nepotism and improve transparency in judicial appointments.

The association has also resolved to inform the Chief Justice of India and the Supreme Court collegium about the urgent need for reforms in Karnataka’s judiciary.

These developments underscore the growing concerns within the legal community regarding judicial accountability and the imperative for reforms to maintain public trust in the legal system.​

Sources