Hate speech: Supreme Court drops inquiry against Allahabad HC judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has reportedly dropped the internal inquiry against Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, who faced allegations of delivering a hate speech at an event organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The decision is said to have been based on a letter received from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat.

Justice Yadav allegedly made the controversial remarks during a VHP programme held on December 8 last year. His comments targeting Muslims had drawn strong criticism from Opposition parties, who demanded action. At the time, then Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, had sought a report from the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court regarding Justice Yadav’s speech. Based on the report—which was reportedly unfavourable to Justice Yadav—CJI Khanna had ordered an internal inquiry.

However, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat later wrote to the Supreme Court stating that only the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and the Parliament hold the authority to take action against judges. This letter, received by the Supreme Court Secretary General in March, led to the internal inquiry being dropped.

The Supreme Court can recommend impeachment or other proceedings against a judge only after receiving the findings of an internal inquiry committee.

Earlier, the Supreme Court Collegium had summoned Justice Yadav to provide an explanation in person. He was later cautioned by a Supreme Court Bench headed by CJI Sanjiv Khanna.