Persons with political and religious prejudices mustn't be made judges

In the wake of uproar over Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav's recent comments on Uniform Civil Code and that India will be run by the majority at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) function, retired Supreme Court judge Justice A K Pattnaik tells Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty that a judge shouldn't express views on political matters at a public forum.

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N the wake of uproar over Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav's recent comments on Uniform Civil Code and that India will be run by the majority at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) function, retired Supreme Court judge Justice A K Pattnaik tells Suchitra Kalyan Mohanty that a judge shouldn't express views on political matters at a public forum. Excerpts:

What's your take on Justice Yadav's comment?

He (Justice Yadav) should not have expressed his views on political matters at a public meeting. It was incorrect to do so. He may have his views on certain matters, but shouldn't express in a public platform.

Do you think Justice Yadav broke rules mandating judges to maintain impartiality, equality and restraint in their judgments as well as outside the court?

Justice Yadav has taken oath to uphold the Constitution. He has acted against the oath by expressing his opinion against a religious community. Has he forgotten that he is a judge? He crossed his boundaries.

At least 55 MPs have signed a joint petition in the Rajya Sabha to impeach Justice Yadav.