The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of reports regarding Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court, following his controversial speech at an event organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). In the speech, Justice Yadav allegedly endorsed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and made remarks that were widely perceived as offensive toward the Muslim community. The Supreme Court has directed the Allahabad High Court to provide details of the incident, and the matter is currently under review.
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal has called for Justice Yadav’s removal from the bench, describing his remarks as a breach of judicial conduct. Sibal indicated that he, along with other Members of Parliament, would soon bring a motion of impeachment against the judge. He further urged political leaders, including the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, to support action against Yadav.
Additionally, Prashant Bhushan, an advocate and the convener of the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms, has written to Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, requesting an “in-house inquiry” into Justice Yadav’s conduct. Bhushan’s letter highlights concerns about breaches in judicial ethics, impartiality, and secularism, principles that judges are expected to uphold.
The controversy centers around a video in which Justice Yadav is seen reportedly stating that the law should be aligned with the interests of the majority. This statement has drawn widespread criticism for allegedly violating the constitutional principles of equality and non-discrimination, which are central to India’s democratic framework. Critics argue that such comments are incompatible with the impartiality required of judges, especially in a diverse, multi-religious society like India.
The issue has also raised concerns about the intersection of politics and the judiciary, with some viewing the judge’s participation in a VHP event as a potential conflict of interest. The matter now awaits further examination, with both legal experts and political leaders closely monitoring the developments. The Supreme Court’s decision to investigate the matter reflects the seriousness with which it is treating allegations of judicial misconduct. The outcome of this inquiry could have significant implications for judicial accountability in India.
