Allahabad High Court judge defends anti-Muslim remarks
Lucknow: Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court has defended his controversial anti-Muslim comments made at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event, despite widespread condemnation.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a response to Allahabad high court Chief Justice Arun Bhansali, Yadav asserted that his remarks reflected personal views on societal issues and were consistent with the values outlined in the Indian Constitution. He rejected accusations of breaching judicial ethics, claiming that his statements were not intended to foster hatred but to highlight the need for reforms. He also defended his stance on cow protection, calling it both a legal and cultural value.
The remarks that sparked a storm of criticism came on December 8, when Yadav addressed a gathering at the Allahabad High Court library. His speech, particularly on the Uniform Civil Code, included deeply divisive statements. He used derogatory terms such as “kathmulla” to describe Muslims and suggested that Muslim children, exposed to animal slaughter from a young age, were less tolerant and generous than their Hindu counterparts. He further claimed that Hindus were raised with values of kindness and non-violence. His assertion that India should function according to the “majority’s” will added fuel to the fire.
The speech quickly ignited outrage, with legal bodies, activists, and human rights organizations condemning Yadav’s remarks as a violation of India’s secular Constitution. The Bar Association of India issued a statement denouncing the comments as incompatible with the oath judges take to uphold the Constitution, warning that such rhetoric jeopardizes judicial impartiality and the rule of law.
Critics argue that Yadav’s statements not only compromise the credibility of the judiciary but also exacerbate communal tensions in the country. Concerns have emerged about the growing alignment between the judiciary and Hindutva ideology under Indian Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. Yadav’s remarks, some say, are indicative of a larger trend within India’s judicial system, where questions regarding bias and neutrality, particularly in cases involving Muslims, have become increasingly pertinent. From the controversial Babri Masjid verdict to the Article 370 ruling, critics contend that the judiciary’s stance on such issues raises alarming questions about its independence and impartiality.
