Justice Yadav defends remarks against Muslims, saying they reflect societal values

Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court, who called Muslims intolerant and used derogatory remarks against them at a VHP event, defended his speech in a letter to Chief Justice Arun Bhansali of the Allahabad High Court, arguing that his speech did not breach judicial conduct standards, despite intervention by the Supreme Court.

In the letter, Justice Yadav stated that he stands by his statements reflected his thoughts on societal values and aligned with the Constitution's principles, stressing that the intention was not to incite hatred, The Indian Express reported.

The speech, which took place on December 8 in the library hall of the Allahabad High Court, included contentious statements regarding the Uniform Civil Code and the upbringing of Muslim and Hindu children.

Yadav controversially claimed that Muslim children were influenced by early exposure to violence, while Hindu children were raised with values of non-violence and tolerance. He also suggested that India should operate according to the will of the "majority."

This prompted a complaint filed by a law student and a former IPS officer, prompting Chief Justice Bhansali to request a response from Yadav. The issue also raised questions about an earlier court order relating to cow protection, which Yadav supported, describing it as an important cultural and legal matter.

The remarks led to widespread backlash, with the Bar Association of India condemning them as violating the principles of secularism and judicial impartiality. The association argued that such comments undermine the foundation of a fair and unbiased judiciary, which is crucial to maintaining the rule of law.