Lawyers’ Union Demands Action Against Allahabad High Court Judge for Controversial Speech at VHP Event
(Judicial Quest News Network)
In a significant legal and political development, the All India Lawyers’ Union has called for immediate action against Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court, over his controversial speech at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event. The union has addressed a letter to the President of India and the Chief Justice of India, urging them to take appropriate steps against Justice Yadav for his statements, which they argue amount to hate speech and undermine the secular ethos of the Indian Constitution.
Justice Yadav’s remarks, made on Sunday during a VHP event, sparked outrage for their perceived anti-Muslim undertones and advocacy for a Uniform Civil Code. In his speech, Justice Yadav controversially stated that India should operate according to the “wishes of the majority community,” referring to the Hindu majority. He further expressed support for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization, and made disparaging remarks about certain Muslim practices, such as polygamy, triple talaq, and halala, calling for their abolition.
The Lawyers’ Union has strongly condemned Justice Yadav’s speech, emphasizing that his comments were not only contrary to the spirit of the Constitution but also a direct threat to its basic structure, particularly the principles of secularism and the independence of the judiciary. In a letter to the Chief Justice of India, the union stated that the speech “amounts to sabotaging the independence of the judiciary from within” and represents a violation of the constitutional oath that judges are required to uphold.
The union also condemned the tone and content of the speech, describing it as “hate speech against the Muslim minority in the name of Hindu religion.” The letter to the authorities accused Justice Yadav of making “vicious, venomous, and inflammatory” statements about the Muslim community, with claims that were “irresponsible” and “most unbecoming” of a sitting judge of the High Court. They argued that his words reflected a dangerous concept of democracy, rooted in religious majoritarianism, and not the inclusive, pluralistic democracy that the Indian Constitution envisions.
CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat, who also wrote to the Chief Justice of India, joined in the condemnation. She described Justice Yadav’s speech as an “assault on the Constitution” and a blow to the democratic and secular fabric of the nation. Karat further noted that the speech “appalled the collective conscience of a secular and democratic country” and expressed alarm that such remarks were made by a judge of the Allahabad High Court, a position that should embody the highest standards of impartiality and respect for the Constitution.
Justice Yadav’s controversial speech has ignited a firestorm of criticism across political and legal circles, with many questioning the appropriateness of a judge engaging in such partisan, religiously charged rhetoric. The call for action has highlighted concerns about the growing politicization of the judiciary and the need to safeguard its independence and integrity.
As the matter unfolds, there are growing demands for the judiciary to investigate the incident thoroughly and take appropriate disciplinary action against Justice Yadav, ensuring that the sanctity of judicial office is maintained and that the principles of secularism and equality before the law are upheld in India.
