Supreme Court Collegium has sought an explanation from Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav.......

The Supreme Court Collegium has sought an explanation from Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court over his controversial remarks made during a recent event organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). Justice Yadav stated that the country would function according to the wishes of the majority and expressed support for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which he claimed would soon become a reality. He also made comments targeting Muslim practices such as polygamy and Halala, which he described as inconsistent with modern legal principles and harmful to societal progress.

The speech, delivered on December 8, 2024, at a VHP event in Prayagraj, drew sharp criticism from legal experts, politicians, and civil society groups. Critics argued that his remarks violated the principles of judicial neutrality and secularism enshrined in the Constitution. Justice Yadav’s participation in a politically charged forum has been called an affront to judicial ethics, with references to the 1997 Supreme Court’s Restatement of Values of Judicial Life, which prohibits judges from engaging in political matters or making public statements that could compromise their impartiality.

Prominent legal voices, including Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, condemned Justice Yadav's remarks as unconstitutional and detrimental to the independence of the judiciary. The All India Lawyers' Union has also demanded action, asserting that his comments undermine judicial integrity. The Collegium’s intervention is expected to address whether Justice Yadav’s actions align with the responsibilities and ethics of his office.

Justice Yadav's remarks have reignited debates over the UCC and the judiciary's role in addressing politically sensitive topics. The Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, has yet to publicly comment on the matter​.