Justice Shekhar Yadav Faces Supreme Court Collegium Over Controversial Remarks at VHP Event
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court appeared before the Supreme Court Collegium today to explain his controversial remarks made during a speech at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event on December 8, 2024. The remarks, which have sparked widespread criticism, were the subject of an inquiry initiated by the Supreme Court after they were brought to its attention.
The Collegium, led by Chief Justice Sanjeev Khanna, called Justice Yadav to present his stand regarding the comments made during the VHP event. It was also revealed that Justice Yadav did not hold court today, likely due to his appearance before the Collegium to address the issue.
Sources close to the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court informed Judicial Quest that the transcript of Justice Yadav’s speech was submitted to the top court last week. This was in response to a direction issued by the Supreme Court on December 10, 2024, which took note of the controversial speech. The Court had ordered the High Court to provide details and particulars related to the speech, prompting the Collegium to call Justice Yadav for clarification.
The Supreme Court’s action seems to be part of an effort to uphold the principles of natural justice, ensuring that Justice Yadav has the opportunity to clarify his position before any potential disciplinary actions are considered. The meeting of the Collegium, which was originally scheduled for last week, had to be postponed due to the unavailability of two of the five judges in the panel.
Justice Yadav’s speech, which was made at a gathering organized by the VHP’s legal cell in Pragya Raj, has attracted significant public scrutiny for its communal tone and derogatory comments, particularly towards the Muslim community. In his address, Justice Yadav reportedly suggested that the country should function according to the wishes of the majority and used the slur “Mulla” in reference to Muslims. These remarks have been widely condemned as divisive and inflammatory.
In response to his controversial statements, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Allahabad High Court, calling for an impeachment motion to be initiated against Justice Yadav. The motion, which has been submitted to the Rajya Sabha Secretary General, was signed by 55 Members of Parliament (MPs) who have called for his removal over the inflammatory speech.
This development has intensified the debate over the conduct of judicial officers and their role in maintaining impartiality and upholding the Constitution. The Supreme Court’s Collegium is expected to thoroughly review the matter before deciding on any further course of action.
As the investigation progresses, all eyes will be on the Collegium’s decision regarding Justice Yadav’s future within the judiciary, and whether this controversy will lead to any formal disciplinary measures
