Opposition parties in India are mobilizing to impeach Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Shekhar Yadav following his controversial comments at a Vishva Hindu Parishad event advocating for the Uniform Civil Code. With 38 Rajya Sabha members having signed the notice, the opposition aims for a significant push during the Winter Session of Parliament, citing concerns over judicial integrity.
Allahabad: The political arena is abuzz as opposition parties mobilize efforts to impeach Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Yadav following his controversial remarks at a recent Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) event. The remarks have drawn widespread condemnation, sparking concerns over judicial impartiality and adherence to constitutional principles.
Opposition Gathers Momentum for Impeachment Motion
Sources confirm that 38 Rajya Sabha members have already signed the impeachment notice, with efforts underway to secure the required 50 signatures. The opposition plans to submit the notice during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.
Congress MP Vivek Tankha stated, “This is a serious matter. We will give a notice for impeachment in this session of Parliament itself.” As per constitutional provisions, initiating impeachment requires the backing of at least 100 Lok Sabha members or 50 Rajya Sabha members.
Justice Yadav’s Controversial Remarks
Justice Yadav, speaking at a VHP legal cell convention, reportedly advocated for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as a means to promote social harmony, gender equality, and secularism. However, video clips of the event showcased statements perceived as provocative, including claims that the law should align with the majority’s will.
Opposition Criticism and Legal Concerns
Opposition leaders, including senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, have strongly criticized Justice Yadav’s remarks. At a press conference, Sibal said,
“Any judge who makes such a statement is violating his oath of office. If he is violating the oath of office, he has no right to sit on that chair.”
Sibal also questioned judicial appointments, calling for action to “prevent further erosion of public trust.” The Supreme Court has reportedly taken cognisance of the issue and sought details from the Allahabad High Court following media coverage of the speech.
Broader Condemnation
Prominent organizations and religious bodies have also voiced their disapproval.
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- Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani called the remarks “inflammatory and divisive,” urging swift action to preserve the judiciary’s credibility.
- The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) issued a strongly worded statement, asserting, “One who does not have faith in our Constitution and its morality should have nothing to do with the judiciary, much less be a judge.”
Next Steps in the Impeachment Process
With the opposition confident of gathering the required signatures, the impeachment motion is likely to gain momentum in Parliament. This effort is seen as the only viable way to address what critics describe as hate speech and a breach of judicial conduct.
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