Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court stirred debate with his remarks at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event, stating, “This is India, and it will operate according to the wishes of its majority.” Speaking on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), he emphasized the need to respect India’s culture and denounced practices like multiple marriages, halala, and triple talaq. Justice Yadav highlighted Hindu society’s reforms and called for all religions to shed outdated practices.
Prayagraj: Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court made remarks during a recent event that have ignited considerable discussion.
Speaking on the topic of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event, Justice Yadav stated that while Hindus do not expect Muslims to adopt their cultural practices, they do expect respect for them.
He asserted that practices like multiple marriages, triple talaq, and halala can no longer be justified.
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In a rhetorical question, he asked,
“We teach our children tolerance and compassion from birth. We teach them to love animals and nature. We feel sorrow for the suffering of others. But why don’t you feel the same?”
While speaking at an event organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s legal cell, Justice Yadav did not specifically name the Muslim community but posed a thought-provoking question,
“How can children be kind and tolerant when they witness animal slaughter from a young age?”
He stated that he firmly believes the country will operate in accordance with the preferences of the majority. He stated,
“This is India, and it will operate according to the wishes of its majority.”
He clarified that Hindus respect their religion without harboring animosity towards other faiths, stating,
“We do not expect you to take seven vows around the sacred fire during marriage… But we do expect you not to disrespect the country’s culture, deities, and great leaders.”
Addressing the audience, he condemned the mistreatment of women, saying,
“You cannot insult a woman who is regarded as a goddess in Hindu scriptures and Vedas.”
He specifically criticized practices such as triple talaq and the denial of maintenance to women, referencing the Shah Bano case where the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a divorced Muslim woman’s right to maintenance.
Justice Yadav pointed out that support for the UCC is not limited to organizations like the RSS or VHP, but is also backed by the highest court in the country.
He noted the progress Hindu society has made in eliminating harmful customs like sati and child marriage, asserting,
“There is nothing wrong in acknowledging mistakes and correcting them in time.”
He clarified that his remarks were not directed at any particular religion, stating,
“This applies to all of us. Every religion should distance itself from harmful and evil practices. If they don’t, the country will bring a uniform law for all its citizens.”
He mentioned that while his fellow judges advised him to tread carefully regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), he responded by stating,
“I am a judge of this high court, but I am also a citizen of this country, and I will say whatever is appropriate for a citizen and for this country,”
Justice Yadav quoted notable figures like Swami Vivekananda, who encouraged people to
“Say with pride, we are Hindus,” Emphasizing that, “If anybody can make this country a vishwaguru, it is a Hindu; nobody else can do it.”
He also reflected on the significance of the Ram Mandir, assuring the attendees that while many had not anticipated witnessing Ram Lalla, “this generation did see it,” and expressed confidence that the UCC bill would soon come to fruition.
The event, which also discussed the upcoming centenary celebrations of the RSS in 2025, included Justice Dinesh Pathak, who inaugurated the program without making any statements.
Justice Yadav a history of controversial statements. In 2021, he stirred debate by suggesting that the cow should be declared India’s national animal and proposed that cow protection be recognized as a fundamental right for Hindus.
His participation in a VHP event as a sitting judge has drawn criticism, with senior advocate Indira Jaising commenting on social media that it is “shameful” for a judge to engage in a program promoting a Hindu political agenda.
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