In a significant development, the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR) has written to Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna, seeking an in-house inquiry against Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court. The letter highlights allegations of judicial impropriety and violation of the code of conduct for judges, stemming from controversial remarks made by Justice Yadav during a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event held on December 8, 2024, at the High Court premises in Allahabad.
Justice Yadav reportedly made remarks favoring the majority community, asserting that “Hindustan will function as per the wishes of the majority,” and suggested that the law aligns with majority interests. The judge also criticized practices within the Muslim community, referencing polygamy, Halala, and Triple Talaq, and contrasted these with Hindu traditions. These comments, which allegedly included derogatory language, have drawn severe backlash for undermining the secular and egalitarian ethos enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The CJAR’s letter accuses Justice Yadav of breaching his oath as a judge by participating in a politically and religiously charged event. His statements, according to the letter, violate the “Restatement of Values of Judicial Life” adopted by the Supreme Court in 1997. The document emphasizes that a judge must maintain impartiality and avoid engaging in public debates on political or sensitive matters.
CJAR has requested the Chief Justice to:
1. Constitute an In-House Inquiry Committee: Investigate the allegations against Justice Yadav and assess his fitness to continue as a judge.
2. Suspend Judicial Work: Withdraw all judicial responsibilities from Justice Yadav until the inquiry is completed.
3. Ensure Institutional Integrity: Restore public faith in the judiciary by addressing the incident promptly and transparently.
The letter cites widespread public concern over the judge’s remarks, which are seen as discriminatory and antithetical to the principles of equality, secularism, and justice. Various legal commentators and civil society groups have echoed the call for a thorough investigation.
