Allahabad High Court Justice Shekhar Yadav Defends Remarks Over UCC And Muslims At VHP Event Amid Collegium Review

Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court has defended his controversial remarks allegedly targeting Muslims at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event in Prayagraj, asserting they were consistent with constitutional values and did not breach judicial conduct.

This comes a month after he was called by the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, over the issue.

In a letter to Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, Justice Yadav maintained that his comments were being misrepresented by individuals with vested interests.

He emphasised that the judiciary, often unable to defend itself publicly, requires support from senior members of the judicial fraternity.

The controversy stems from Justice Yadav’s 8 December speech at an event organised by the VHP’s legal cell. He had framed the Uniform Civil Code as a Hindu-Muslim issue, asserting that while Hindus had reformed their practices, Muslims had not.

Addressing concerns about the UCC, he remarked, “You have a misconception that if a law (UCC) is brought in, it will be against your Shariyat, your Islam and your Quran. But I want to say one more thing… whether it is your personal law, our Hindu law, your Quran or whether it is our Gita… We have addressed the ills… untouchability… sati, jauhar… female foeticide… Then why are you not doing away with this law… that while your first wife is there… you can have three wives… without her consent… That is not acceptable.”

Justice Yadav has not apologised for his remarks, stating they were an expression of thoughts on societal issues and not intended to incite hatred. He argued that such discussions align with constitutional values.

The letter seeking his response also cited a complaint about his judicial order on cow protection. Defending his stance, Justice Yadav said, “Supporting legitimate and rightful sentiment in favour of cow protection cannot be read as violating the principles of justice, fairness, integrity and impartiality.” He further asserted that cow protection reflects a society’s culture and is recognised under the law.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Bhansali has been asked by the CJI to provide a fresh report on the issue.