Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court defended his controversial remarks about the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and societal reforms during a VHP event, stating they align with constitutional values and were not intended to create hatred. He emphasized addressing societal ills and justified his views on cow protection as culturally significant, dismissing allegations of violating judicial ethics.
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UTTAR PRADESH: Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court has written a letter to the Chief Justice Arun Bhansali of the High Court, defending his statements made during a public event organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in Prayagraj.
Justice Yadav emphasized that he stands by his remarks and asserted that they were in line with the principles of judicial conduct.
He stated that his speech reflected societal issues and was consistent with constitutional values, without intending to create hatred against any community.
The controversy arose after Justice Yadav’s remarks reportedly targeted Muslims and framed the discussion of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as a Hindu versus Muslim issue.
In his speech, Justice Yadav had said,
“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, as I said, we have addressed the ills (buraaiyan) in our practices… kamiyan thi, durust kar liye hain (the shortcomings have been addressed)… untouchability… sati, jauhar… female foeticide… We have addressed all those issues. 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.”
The Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Arun Bhansali, had sought Justice Yadav’s response to complaints filed against his remarks.
These complaints were made by a law student and a retired IPS officer, raising concerns about whether his statements violated judicial ethics.
Justice Yadav explained in his letter that his speech was being distorted by people with vested interests. He further highlighted the need for senior members of the judiciary to support those who are being criticized unfairly.
He maintained that his remarks were not intended as an apology but were instead meant to express thoughts on societal reforms in line with constitutional principles.
Justice Yadav also referred to one of his judgments on cow protection, which had drawn criticism from activists. In defense of his views, he explained,
“Cow protection reflects a society’s culture, and its significance is duly recognized under the law. Supporting legitimate and rightful sentiment in favor of cow protection cannot be read as violating the principles of justice, fairness, integrity, and impartiality.”
Justice Yadav’s explanation reaffirmed his belief that the judiciary must address societal issues and remain steadfast in its constitutional values.
By stating his case, he sought to clarify that his remarks were not against any specific community but were rather aimed at promoting societal reform and harmony.
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