Many MPs against Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav over anti-Muslim comments; sign plea in Rajya Sabha for his impeachment
Approximately 50 Opposition and Independent Rajya Sabha members have taken a stand against an Allahabad High Court Judge. They have delivered a notice to initiate an impeachment motion against Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of Allahabad High Court, who they claim made discriminatory remarks against Muslims during a VHP gathering. Prominent attorney Kapil Sibal and fellow MPs including Vivek Tankha, Digvijaya Singh, John Brittas, Manoj Jha, and Saket Gokhale presented the notice to Rajya Sabha secretary-general P.C. Mody, with sources confirming it carried signatures from 55 Upper House members.
During a Vishwa Hindu Parishad event on December 8, Justice Yadav allegedly used derogatory terms for Muslims, stated that India would be governed by majority preferences, and made a “commitment” regarding the implementation of a uniform civil code. The Supreme Court requested a report from Allahabad High Court on Tuesday regarding the judge’s statements, and the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI), the country’s highest Catholic clergy body, called upon MPs on Wednesday to pursue Justice Yadav’s impeachment.
Congress representative Renuka Chowdhury submitted a notice under Rule 267 requesting the suspension of scheduled business to discuss the judge’s “inflammatory and discriminatory” remarks. Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar dismissed the notice, explaining that discussions about a serving judge required a substantive motion. The MPs submitted the impeachment notice on Friday under Articles 124(4), 124(5), 217(1)(b), and 218 of the Constitution. According to Articles 217(1)(b) and 218, a high court judge’s removal by the President follows the procedure outlined in Article 124 for removing Supreme Court judges. Articles 124(4) and 124(5) specify that a Supreme Court judge’s removal requires a presidential order following addresses by both Houses of Parliament, supported by two-thirds of present and voting members.
Sources indicated Opposition MPs would file a similar motion in the Lok Sabha. A video allegedly captures Justice Yadav stating at the December 8 event:
“From childhood, we instruct our children about God and the Vedas, teaching them non-violence. But you (Muslims) slaughter animals before your children. Then how can you expect them to be tolerant and liberal?… Therefore, I state without hesitation that this is India and it will operate according to the majority community’s wishes….”
In another instance, he allegedly remarks:
“It’s not that everyone I’m referring to is bad…. The problems stem from kathmullas (fanatics).”
Regarding the uniform civil code, he purportedly declared:
“You cannot claim rights to four wives, to pronounce triple talaq, and to deny maintenance to women…. I guarantee you’ll witness this bill (UCC) very soon…. I make a commitment here that this nation will soon implement one law.”
