Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav delivers a lecture on Uniform Civil Code, highlighting its constitutional necessity. The event also discusses Waqf Board Act and religious conversions.
On December 8, 2024, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court, delivered a lecture on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) at an event organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) legal cell. The lecture, titled “Uniform Civil Code: A Constitutional Necessity,” was held in the Library Hall on the premises of the Allahabad High Court at 10:30 AM. Another sitting judge of the High Court, Justice Dinesh Pathak, inaugurated the session by lighting the ceremonial lamp, marking the beginning of the event.
The event brought together legal experts and practitioners to discuss key issues, including the Waqf Board Act and religious conversions, with a focus on their causes and possible solutions. The VHP, a Hindu nationalist organization, has been active since its formation in 1964, aiming to unite the Hindu community, safeguard the religion, and serve society.
Event Details and Discussion Topics
- Date and Time:
The event commenced at 10:30 AM on December 8, 2024, at the Library Hall on the Allahabad High Court premises. - Inauguration:
The session was inaugurated by Justice Dinesh Pathak, who lit the ceremonial lamp, setting the stage for the lecture and discussions. - Lecture on Uniform Civil Code:
Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav delivered a lecture on the Uniform Civil Code and its importance for the nation’s legal and social fabric. He emphasized the constitutional necessity of implementing a uniform law across religions. - Additional Topics:
The event also saw discussions on the Waqf Board Act and religious conversion, exploring the causes and potential solutions to challenges posed by these issues in modern India.
VHP's Role and Agenda
- VHP’s Establishment and Mission:
The Vishva Hindu Parishad was founded in 1964 with the mission to unite the Hindu community, protect the Hindu religion, and serve society. It has been at the forefront of advocating for issues related to Hindu cultureand religious matters. - Social Media Debate:
Earlier this year, in September 2024, the VHP's events sparked a social media debate after Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal posted images from a VHP event in Delhi, attended by several retired judges. There were also unconfirmed reports of sitting Delhi High Court judges being present at the event, which led to speculation and controversy.
Controversies Surrounding Justice Yadav
- 2021 Remarks on Cows and Lord Ram:
Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav had previously drawn attention in 2021 for his remarks related to cow slaughterand Lord Ram.- In a bail rejection order, he stated that cows should be declared the national animal and are an integral part of Indian culture.
- In another ruling, he argued that Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, the Ramayana, the Gita, and their authors, Maharishi Valmiki and Maharishi Ved Vyas, should be accorded national honor by a law passed by Indian Parliament.
Implications of Justice Yadav’s Remarks and Engagement with VHP
- Religious and Cultural Issues in Legal Discourse:
Justice Yadav’s participation in the VHP event and his earlier statements on religious and cultural matters reflect a growing intersection between Indian law and religious ideologies. His remarks on Lord Ram and cow slaughterhighlight the influence of culture and religion in India’s legal discourse. - Impact of VHP’s Legal Cell:
The VHP legal cell has been working to shape public opinion and policy on issues like the Uniform Civil Code, religious conversion, and the Waqf Board Act, among others. This event, where sitting judges participated, raises questions about the politicization of judiciary and the separation of religion and law.
Source: The Print
