Allahabad HC Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav Summoned By Collegium Over Controversial Statement

Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court appeared before the Collegium after making a controversial statement. The Collegium had asked him to present his side after receiving a clarification from the High Court following an order from the Supreme Court.

The Controversial Remarks

Justice Yadav made the remarks at a program organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s legal cell. He stated that the country’s laws would be governed by the majority. After media reports circulated on December 10, the Collegium took cognizance and requested full details from the High Court. The Supreme Court may form a committee to investigate the matter. If formed, Justice Yadav will need to appear before the committee.

Prashant Bhushan Requests Investigation

Lawyer Prashant Bhushan, convener of the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms, wrote a letter to Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna. In the letter, Bhushan urged an in-house investigation into Justice Yadav’s conduct. He alleged that Yadav’s statements violated constitutional principles of judicial ethics, impartiality, and secularism.

Background of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav

On December 8, 2024, Justice Yadav’s statement went viral after he linked the Uniform Civil Code to promoting social harmony, gender equality, and secularism. He also criticized certain practices in the Muslim community, including polygamy, halala, and triple talaq, while noting that similar practices like untouchability and sati had been abolished within Hinduism.

Justice Yadav became an additional judge in December 2019 and a permanent judge in March 2021. He has primarily handled bail and criminal cases. He is set to retire in March 2026.

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