TCN Staff Reporter
Ahead of the appearance of Allahabad High Court Judge, Shekhar Kumar Yadav, before the Supreme Court Collegium that is likely to happen soon for allegedly making controversial remarks against Muslims at Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) function, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has come out in his strong defense.
Justice Yadav is facing calls for impeachment following his December 8 speech at the VHP’s legal cell event where he discussed controversial topics, including the idea that the law should cater to the majority. At one instance, he went on to refer Muslims as “mullah” – a derogatory term often used by Right wing for the Muslim minority in India.
These comments quickly sparked widespread backlash, particularly from Opposition leaders, who condemned his remarks as “hate speech”.
Speaking at the World Hindu Economic Forum on December 14, CM Adityanath condemned the Opposition’s efforts to move impeachment motions against the judge, labelling the action as part of a broader strategy to silence those who speak the truth.
“The Opposition cannot tolerate anyone who speaks the truth. This is the same group that presses for impeachment motions whenever anyone challenges their narrative,” said Adityanath. He also accused the Congress of practicing double standards, questioning the party’s consistency when it comes to upholding the Constitution.
Reacting to the growing calls for action against the judge, the chief minister argued, “What is the crime of a person who speaks about the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which is essential to end discrimination between majority and minority communities? Why should such a person be threatened with impeachment?”
He also added that in many countries around the world, the laws are shaped by the majority community, and there is no reason why India should not adopt a similar approach.
As the Supreme Court took note of the controversy, it requested a report from the Allahabad High Court on the matter. Sources suggest that Justice Yadav may soon be called upon to explain his statements before the Supreme Court Collegium.
As a purported video clip of Justice Yadav’s controversial speech went viral, several individuals and organisations raised concerns over the judge’s comments, including Senior SC lawyer, Prashant Bhushan, who called for an in-house inquiry into Yadav’s conduct. Bhushan argued that the judge’s statements breached judicial ethics and violated the constitutional principles of impartiality and secularism.
Similarly, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat and the Bar Association of India have demanded that Yadav retract his statements and issue an apology. Karat called the judge’s speech a violation of his oath of office, saying that such a person has “no place in a court of justice”.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the Supreme Court will take any further action against Justice Yadav, or whether the calls for impeachment will gain traction.