Supreme Court Seeks Allahabad HC's Response on Controversial Remarks by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav

The Supreme Court has sought clarification from the Allahabad High Court following controversy over remarks made by its sitting judge, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, during a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) event. The apex court's move comes after widespread criticism of Justice Yadav’s comments, which allegedly endorsed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and targeted the Muslim community.

"The Supreme Court has taken note of newspaper reports about a speech given by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav—a sitting judge of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. Details and particulars have been called from the High Court, and the matter is under consideration," an official statement said.

The remarks, delivered on December 8 at a VHP provincial convention, have triggered a political and legal debate, with videos of his speech circulating widely on social media. Critics, including opposition leaders and activists, have labeled the comments as hate speech, urging an investigation.

Calls for Action

Prominent voices have demanded accountability, including an NGO led by advocate Prashant Bhushan, which wrote to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna seeking an in-house inquiry. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat also addressed the CJI in a letter, asserting that individuals making such remarks have no place in a court of justice.

The judge’s comments, according to a VHP press release, were centered on the UCC’s role in fostering social harmony, gender equality, and secularism by eliminating unequal legal systems based on religion. Justice Yadav reportedly described the UCC as a common law governing personal matters like marriage, inheritance, and adoption, applicable to all communities.

Political Backlash

Opposition parties have reacted sharply, calling the remarks inappropriate for a sitting judge. They argue that such statements undermine the impartiality expected of the judiciary and demand swift action to uphold the integrity of the judicial system.

As the controversy unfolds, the Supreme Court's response and the Allahabad High Court's clarification are awaited.