Anti-Muslim comments by HC judge: SC asks for report

THE SC SOUGHT A REPORT FROM ALLAHABAD HC ON CONTROVERSIAL REMARKS MADE BY JUSTICE YADAV

- Utkarsh Anand

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took cognisance of reports surrounding controversial remarks made by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad high court during a speech at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event on December 8.

The remarks, targeting the Muslim community and invoking themes of majority rule and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), sparked a political storm and raised significant questions about judicial impartiality and propriety.

A statement issued by the apex court on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that detailed information regarding the purported remarks made by Justice Yadav had been sought from the Allahabad high court.

"The Supreme Court has taken note of the newspaper reports of a speech given by Mr Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a sitting judge of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. The details and particulars have been called from the High Court, and the matter is under consideration," said a statement issued by the Supreme Court administration.

Upon the receipt of a report from the high court, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna is expected to decide whether to take judicial cognisance of the matter or address it administratively.

On the administrative side, the CJI may urge the Allahabad high court chief justice to take steps, including the withdrawal of Justice Yadav's judicial work.