Supreme Court Summons Allahabad HC Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav Over Allegedly Controversial Remarks Against Muslims

The Supreme Court Collegium has summoned Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court for a meeting next week following his controversial remarks against the Muslim community, as reported by The Indian Express.

Justice Yadav sparked outrage on 8 December during a speech at an event organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) legal cell. Speaking on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), he stated, “India will operate according to the wishes of the majority population.” He also used the term “kathmullah,” for Muslim extremists, further fueling the controversy.

In response, the Supreme Court, through its administrative side, sought details from the Allahabad High Court about the incident. Meanwhile, the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR) has filed a formal complaint with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, demanding an in-house inquiry into Justice Yadav’s conduct.

The remarks have triggered widespread criticism, with calls for Justice Yadav’s impeachment and the withdrawal of his judicial responsibilities. Prominent Members of Parliament (MPs), led by Kapil Sibal, have submitted an impeachment motion to the Rajya Sabha Secretary General. Signed by 55 MPs, the motion is expected to be addressed during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court announced changes to Justice Yadav’s roster. Effective 16 December, he will be limited to hearing first appeals, specifically cases arising from district court orders filed up to 2010.

The CJAR said in its complaint, “The comments made by a sitting judge undermine the secular fabric of the Constitution and call into question the judiciary’s independence.”