Supreme Court takes note of news reports of Allahabad HC judge's UCC speech at VHP function

While taking cognisance of Justice Yadav's reported speech, the apex court has sought details from Allahabad HC.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday took note of the media reports of a speech given by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a sitting judge of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad.

The apex court has called for the details and particulars from the High Court and the matter is under consideration, official sources said.

In a programme organised by VHP in High Court's premises on December 8, Justice Yadav said, India will function as per the wishes of the majority community, and that the welfare and happiness of the majority overrides those of others.

"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)," Justice Yadav had said.

In a related development, lawyer and convenor of the NGO, Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR), Prashant Bhushan wrote a letter to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna seeking an “in-house enquiry” into the conduct of Justice Yadav of the Allahabad High Court.

The NGO claimed the speech breached judicial ethics and violated the constitutional principles of impartiality and secularism.

The judge had said the main aim of the Uniform Civil Code is to promote social harmony, gender equality, and secularism.

"The main objective of the Uniform Civil Code is to promote social harmony, gender equality and secularism by eliminating unequal legal systems based on different religions and communities," he had said.

"A Uniform Civil Code refers to a common law that applies to all religious communities in personal matters such as marriage, inheritance, divorce, adoption etc," the judge had said.

In the letter, Bhushan said Justice Yadav delivered a speech endorsing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) while making controversial remarks perceived as targeting the Muslim community.

The CJAR said that Justice Yadav’s participation in the VHP event and his comments constitute judicial impropriety and breach the solemn oath to uphold the Constitution impartially.

Bhushan claimed, the remarks undermined the judiciary's role as a neutral arbiter and erode public trust in its independence.

Senior advocate and SC Bar Association president Kapil Sibal sought support from the BJP MPs to initiate impeachment proceedings against the judge.