PIL In Allahabad High Court Seeks Removal Of Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath For Supporting Justice Yadav's Remarks

A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Allahabad High Court, seeking the removal of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for publicly backing Justice Shekhar Yadav's controversial remarks at a recent Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) event.

The PIL, filed by the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), contends that the CM Adityanath's statements undermine the secular fabric of the Indian republic.

During the World Hindu Economic Forum 2024 held in Mumbai on 14 December, Chief Minister Adityanath criticised the opposition for seeking the impeachment of Justice Yadav.

"The Hon'ble Judge of the Allahabad High Court made a point, saying that respect for the majority community should naturally exist…If it happens globally, then if someone in India speaks about the interests of the majority community or speaks the truth, how does it become a crime? You must have seen how these people even gave an impeachment notice against the Hon'ble Judge in the Rajya Sabha. These are the ones who call themselves democratic, carry the Constitution in their hands, yet have no shame at all..." CM Yogi had said in support of Justice Yadav, Bar and Bench reported.

Further, on 16 December, CM Yogi reiterated his support for Justice Yadav's statements.

Speaking in Uttar Pradesh Assembly, the UP Chief Minister stated that when a judge speaks the truth, some individuals resort to threatening him.

The PUCL plea contends taht CM Adityanath's support for Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav constitutes a gross violation of the oath of office, as it undermines his faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India.

His remarks are a blatant violation of the Constitution, rendering him liable for dismissal as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, it has bee contended.

The petition further argues that CM Adityanath’s remarks are a blatant violation of the Constitution, rendering him liable for dismissal as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

Advocate Seema Srivastava will appear for PUCL.

Justice Shekhar Yadav became the centre of controversy following his speech on 8 December at an event hosted by the legal wing of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).

In his lecture on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Justice Yadav reportedly made contentious statements, asserting that India will operate according to the wishes of the majority population.

Justice Yadav’s speech included other controversial statements, such as his use of the term “kathmullah,” an alleged derogatory slur against Muslims.

He was later summoned by the Supreme Court Collegium over his controversial remarks. The Collegium reportedly counselled the judge and asked him to maintain the dignity of office.

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