Apex Court takes note of contentious remarks by Allahabad HC Judge

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has taken note of the controversial remarks made by justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court on December 8 at an event organised by the legal cell of right-wing organisation, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. The top court has sought details of the speech made by the judge.

"The Supreme Court has taken note of the newspaper reports of a speech given by justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a sitting judge of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad. The details and particulars have been called from the high court and the matter is under consideration," a press statement issued by the Supreme Court said.

'Welfare and happiness of majority will be accepted'

The high court judge on Sunday had allegedly made controversial statements against the Muslim community. "India will function as per the wishes of the majority community," the HC judge said, adding the welfare and happiness of the majority overrides those of others.

"I have no hesitation in stating that this is Hindustan, and this country will function according to the wishes of the majority living here. This is the law. It is not about speaking as a high court judge; rather, the law operates in accordance with the bahusankyak (majority). Consider this in the context of a family or society -- only what ensures the welfare and happiness of the majority will be accepted," justice Yadav reportedly said.

The judge was speaking on the topic 'Uniform Civil Code: A Constitutional Necessity'. He also spoke on topics such as the Waqf Board Act and religious conversion. He also reportedly used a slur against Muslims in his speech.