Supreme Court Collegium Rebukes HC Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav: Controversial VHP Event Speech Sparks Outrage
Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court was recently admonished by the Supreme Court’s five-judge collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, for making controversial remarks during a Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) event. The collegium, including Justices B R Gavai, Surya Kant, Hrishikesh Roy, and A S Oka, addressed concerns about Justice Yadav’s speech, which endorsed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and allegedly contained statements against the Muslim community. The comments incited criticism from activist lawyers and politicians, prompting the collegium to call upon Justice Yadav to appear before them.
Despite Justice Yadav’s defense that media reports had taken his comments out of context, the collegium was not convinced and advised him to uphold the dignity of his constitutional position and be cautious in his public discourse. This incident has stirred considerable controversy, with activist Prashant Bhushan’s NGO, ‘Committee for Judicial Accountability and Reforms,’ demanding an in-house investigation against the judge. Additionally, 55 opposition MPs have initiated a motion in the Rajya Sabha seeking Justice Yadav’s removal.
Justice Yadav, who became an additional judge of the Allahabad High Court in December 2019 and assumed permanent status in March 2021, is expected to retire in April 2026. The Supreme Court has reinforced through various judgments the necessity of a UCC, but Justice Yadav’s targeted remarks have fueled further debate on judicial conduct and impartiality. The situation underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by those holding constitutional offices in India.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/supreme-court-collegium-ticks-off-hc-judge-shekhar-kumar-yadav-for-his-speech-at-vhp-event/articleshow/116412546.cms
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Publish Date: 2024-12-18 01:48:00
