Thirteen senior advocates urge CJI to direct CBI probe against Justice Shekhar Yadav
New Delhi: Thirteen senior advocates of the Supreme Court have written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, urging him to take suo motu cognizance of a speech delivered by Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court. The letter demands the CBI lodge an FIR against Justice Yadav, citing his remarks as hate speech that violates constitutional values and judicial impartiality.
The advocates highlighted Justice Yadav’s speech at an event organised by the Vishva Hindu Parishad's legal cell on December 8, 2024, within the Allahabad High Court library premises. They alleged that his comments, including divisive rhetoric and derogatory remarks towards Muslims, contradict the oath of office taken by a judge.
The letter noted Justice Yadav’s statements referring to “hamari Gita” (our Gita) and “aapki Koran” (your Koran), alongside other remarks that allegedly painted one religious community in a negative light. He reportedly criticised Muslim practices such as polygamy and triple talaq, characterising the community as lacking generosity and tolerance.
The advocates emphasised that the speech promoted majoritarian views, undermined the constitutional principles of secularism, and posed a threat to India’s unity and integrity. Justice Yadav also invoked divisive imagery, referencing the Ram Mandir issue and unfounded fears of India becoming “Bangladesh” or “Taliban.”
The letter further pointed out that Justice Yadav’s appointment to the Allahabad High Court was opposed by former CJI Dr D.Y. Chandrachud, citing inadequate work experience and his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and a BJP leader.
Referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling in K. Veeraswami v. Union of India (1991), the advocates argued that a criminal case against a sitting judge requires consultation with the CJI. They called for immediate action, stating Justice Yadav’s remarks violated Articles 14, 21, 25, and 26 of the Constitution.
The letter also highlighted the Supreme Court’s Amish Devgan v. Union of India (2021) judgment, describing Justice Yadav’s speech as hate speech promoting enmity between religious groups. It urged the judiciary to uphold its impartiality and ensure accountability for actions undermining public confidence in the justice system.
Justice Yadav reportedly stands by his comments, as per media reports. The advocates concluded by requesting the CJI to ensure that appropriate legal and constitutional measures are taken against the judge.
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Marxism will remain relevant despite Left electoral's losses, says general secretary M A Baby
New Delhi (PTI): CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby on Thursday asserted that the Left movement would remain relevant despite not being in power in any state, saying the ideology would continue to endure as long as social and economic inequalities persist.
Hitting back at BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar over his reported remarks that Marxism had become irrelevant, Baby, in an interview with PTI Videos, said, "So long as there is division in society, so long as there is exploitation of the majority of workers, peasants and ordinary masses by a handful of billionaires, Marxism will remain relevant."
"That perhaps Mr Rajeev Chandrasekhar may not be able to understand, but this is the fact of the matter," he said.
Baby acknowledged that the CPI(M)-led Left was currently without an elected government in any state, but maintained that electoral setbacks would not diminish the movement's role.
"We may not have an elected government in any state. There were occasions when we didn't have a government. But the red flag and the commitment to organise and struggle for the rights of the dispossessed, marginalised and exploited will always be upheld by CPI(M) and the Left movement," he said.
He said the Left continued to enjoy support among workers, peasants, agricultural labourers, youth, students and women, and argued that the movement remained necessary because "oppression and assault" continued in society.
"So long as such problems exist in society, the red flag and the working class movement will continue to work among the masses," the Left leader said.
Exuding confidence on the Left's revival, Baby said the party would reflect on the reasons behind its electoral loss.
"We may be rejected in one election, but we will stage our comeback by understanding what went wrong with us," he said, adding, "We will listen to people and we will come back with higher strength."
Baby also criticised the Congress over reported factional tensions in Kerala after the Congress-led United Democratic Front's victory in the state.
"The way they are behaving is being watched by the people of Kerala," he said, referring to infighting within the Congress.
"Those who have given a massive majority to Congress and UDF would be watching all this," he added, while urging party leaders to "settle the problem in an amicable, democratic manner".
Referring to West Bengal, Baby alleged that violence had escalated following the BJP's victory in the state assembly polls.
"It is quite unfortunate that the moment BJP snatched a massive victory in West Bengal, violence has also started on a big scale," he said.
He also accused the Trinamool Congress of being "notorious for violent activities" and alleged that the "RSS-controlled BJP" had "unleashed violence in many places" after the election results.
"This is not good for Bengal, not good for the country. We wish and hope that normalcy would be restored as soon as possible," he said.
Baby said the CPI(M) and the Left in West Bengal would continue efforts to "pacify people" and avoid violence and confrontation.
Asked about former Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan not reacting publicly to the election results, Baby said Vijayan would respond "at an appropriate time".
