CJI-ordered internal probe underway against Allahabad HC Judge Shekhar Yadav for controversial speech: Report

An internal probe has been ordered against Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Yadav over his controversial remarks during a function organised by Vishwa Hindu Parishad on court premises in December last year. Retired Justice Hrishikesh Roy said Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna has initiated a probe against Judge Yadav for his remarks.

In an interview with Bar and Bench, former Supreme Court Justice Hrishikesh Roy said as per procedure, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna has initiated an in-house inquiry against the Allahabad High Court judge over his controversial remarks. Justice Roy was part of the Supreme Court collegium until his retirement in January.  The former SC justice said the controversial judge was ready to tender an apology, however, the inquiry was ordered after the latter failed to do so.

Justice Roy said Judge Yadav offered to apologise to the collegium, however, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna demanded a public apology. “He then assured them that he would tender a public apology. However, he apparently had a change of heart and refused to do so. Since the apology never came through, the CJI has started an in-house inquiry, Justice Roy told Bar and Bench. 

“In private, he (Judge Yadav) said he was ready to apologise to all 5 of us (Collegium judges). He was ready then and there. But he was told that the apology in a closed room would not do, that he must do it in a public forum. When he left, he agreed to do so, but eventually, it did not happen," Justice Roy told Bar & Bench. The retired justice said CJI ordered the probe after the apology did not happen.

Judge Yadav appeared before the Collegium on December 17. Attending an event organised by the legal cell of Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the high court premises, Justice Yadav allegedly said India will function as per the wishes of the majority community. He added, “I vow that this country will surely enact a uniform law, and it will happen very soon.” 

Opposition members in Rajya Sabha had moved an impeachment motion against the judge for his remarks. Over 50 opposition MPs signed the motion seeking the removal of Judge Yadav.