Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court sparked controversy on Sunday (Dec 8) by participating in an event organized by the VHP-Vishva Hindu Parishad’s legal cell. During the event, he made contentious remarks about the Muslim community and asserted that Hindustan would operate according to the preferences of the majority community.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
UTTAR PRADESH: Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court stirred a controversy by participating in an event organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) legal cell.
During his address, he made several controversial remarks, focusing on themes of religion, culture, and governance, sparking widespread debate.
Hindustan: A Nation of Majority Rule
Justice Yadav’s statement on the country functioning according to the wishes of the majority sparked immediate reactions.
“I have no hesitation in stating that this is Hindustan, and this country will function according to the wishes of the majority living here. This is the law. It is not about speaking as a High Court Judge; rather, the law operates in accordance with the bahusankyak (majority). Consider this in the context of a family or society—only what ensures the welfare and happiness of the majority will be accepted,”
-he remarked.
This statement not only underscored his perspective on majority governance but also fueled a broader discourse on constitutional principles and minority rights.
Remarks on Extremism and Use of “Kathmullah”
Justice Yadav’s speech included a controversial reference to extremists using the term “kathmullah,” a derogatory term prevalent on social media platforms.
“Lekin yeh jo kathmullah hai jo…yeh sahi shabd nahi hai…lekin kehne mein parhez nahi hai kyuki woh desh ke liey bura hai…desh ke liey ghatak hai, khilaaf hai, janta ko bhadhkane wale log hai…desh aage na badhe is prakar ke log hai…unse saavdhaan rehne ki zaroorat hai (But these kathmullah… this may not be the right word… but I won’t hesitate to say it because they are harmful to the country… they are detrimental, against the nation, and people who incite the public. They are the kind of people who do not want the country to progress, and we need to be cautious of them).”
Such remarks drew criticism for promoting divisive rhetoric, raising questions about the appropriateness of such language from a sitting High Court judge.
Cultural Values and Tolerance
Justice Yadav contrasted the upbringing of children in different communities, highlighting Hindu traditions of non-violence and compassion.
“In our country, we are taught from a young age to respect all living beings, even the smallest animals, and to avoid harming them. This lesson becomes a part of who we are, which is perhaps why we are more tolerant and compassionate, feeling pain when others suffer. But this isn’t the case for everyone. In our culture, children are raised with guidance towards God, taught Vedic mantras, and instilled with the values of non-violence. However, in some other cultures, children grow up witnessing the slaughter of animals, which makes it difficult to expect them to develop tolerance and compassion.”
Uniform Civil Code: A Constitutional Necessity
Discussing the Uniform Civil Code, Justice Yadav emphasized gender equality and criticized practices such as Halala, Triple Talaq, and polygamy within the Muslim community.
“You can’t disrespect a woman who has been recognized as a goddess in our Shastras and Vedas. You can’t claim the right to have four wives, perform Halala, or practice Triple Talaq. You say, we have the right to say ‘triple talaq,’ and not give maintenance to women. This right will not work. UCC isn’t something that VHP, RSS, or Hinduism advocates. The country’s Top Court also talks about it…This is the historic library hall of the court, where so many great personalities have been. I am speaking here, among them… Not just saying.”
Expressing confidence in the enactment of a Uniform Civil Code, he added,
“I vow that this country will surely enact a uniform law, and it will happen very soon.”
Hindu Identity and Nationalism
Justice Yadav reiterated his perspective on Hindu identity, emphasizing its inclusivity and alignment with national pride.
“Where the cow, the Gita and the Ganga define the culture, where every home has an idol of Harbala Devi, and every child is Ram—such is my country,”
-he declared.
Elaborating further, he said,
“It is not necessary for Muslims to marry by taking seven rounds around the fire, bathe in the Ganga, or apply Chandan but they should respect the culture, great personalities, and deities of this land.”
Ayodhya and Ram Mandir Judgement
Touching upon the historic Ram Mandir verdict, he honored the sacrifices made by previous generations for the temple’s construction.
“Could you have ever imagined seeing the Ram Mandir with your own eyes? Many of our ancestors made sacrifices with the hope of seeing Ram Lalla freed and witnessing the grand temple’s construction. Although they couldn’t live to see it, they played their part, and now, we are witnessing it ourselves,” he highlighted.
Closing Remarks: Aspiration for Global Leadership
Justice Yadav concluded with a powerful assertion of Hindu pride and its potential to guide the nation toward global leadership.
“Whether you are an advocate, a businessman, or a student, your identity as a Hindu comes first. Anyone who considers this land their mother and themselves as its child is a Hindu. Vivekananda also believed that only a Hindu has the potential to make this country a global leader, and no one else can do so. Never let this aspiration fade.”
A Heated Debate Ahead
Justice Yadav’s remarks have triggered widespread debate, with critics accusing him of undermining secularism while supporters argue he is voicing concerns about cultural preservation and legal uniformity.
His statements are likely to be a focal point in discussions about religious harmony and constitutional principles in the days to come.
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Vishva Hindu Parishad
FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES
