Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav writes to Allahabad High Court Chief Justice: Stand by remarks, did not violate conduct

It is learnt that the letter seeking his response referred to a complaint against his speech filed by a law student and another by an IPS officer who had been compulsorily retired by the government.

According to sources, Justice Yadav, in his reply, claimed his speech was being distorted by those with vested interests, and that members of the judiciary who could hardly defend themselves in public needed to be protected by seniors in the judicial fraternity,

Justice Yadav, it is learnt, did not tender an apology for his remarks, maintaining that his speech was an expression of thoughts on societal issues consistent with values enshrined in the Constitution, and not to create hatred towards any community.

On December 8, addressing an event organised by the VHP’s legal cell in the library of Allahabad High Court Bar Association, Justice Yadav had framed the Uniform Civil Code as a Hindu versus Muslim debate where the former had brought in reforms while the latter had not.

“You have a misconception that if a law (UCC) is brought in, it will be against your Shariyat, your Islam and your Quran,” Justice Yadav said. “But I want to say one more thing… whether it is your personal law, our Hindu law, your Quran or whether it is our Gita, as I said we have addressed the ills (buraaiyan) in our practices… kamiyan thi, durust kar liye hain (the shortcomings have been addressed)… untouchability… sati, jauhar… female foeticide… We have addressed all those issues… Then why are you not doing away with this law… that while your first wife is there…you can have three wives… without her consent… That is not acceptable.”

The letter seeking his response also referred to one of his orders relating to cow protection and the questions raised by some activists.

Responding to this, Justice Yadav, it is learnt, has said that cow protection reflects a society’s culture and its significance is duly recognised under the law. Supporting legitimate and rightful sentiment in favour of cow protection cannot be read as violating the principles of justice, fairness, integrity and impartiality, he is said to have pointed out.