Concern over a speech by Justice S.K. Yadav of the Allahabad High Court

Source: The post concern over a speech by Justice S.K. Yadav of the Allahabad High Court has been created, based on the article “Wounding the spirit of the Constitution of India” published in “The Hindu” on 14th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Constitution of India —historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Context: The article criticizes Justice S.K. Yadav’s speech for promoting bigotry and incitement to violence, violating constitutional values. It demands accountability, calls for collective resistance through civil disobedience, and urges reaffirmation of India’s pluralistic, non-denominational constitutional spirit.

For detailed information on Constitutional morality read this article here

What did Justice S.K. Yadav do?

1. Justice S.K. Yadav of the Allahabad High Court delivered a controversial speech, which violated constitutional values.
2. His remarks were widely perceived as incendiary, bigoted, and promoting mob violence.
3. The speech was reported as “genocidal street-talk” that targeted minorities and encouraged divisive rhetoric.

What Actions Have Been Taken?

1. Impeachment Motion: Opposition Members of Parliament initiated an impeachment motion against Justice S.K. Yadav for his controversial speech.
2. Supreme Court’s Intervention: The Supreme Court of India sought a report on the incident after citizens and activists raised concerns.
3. Citizen Activism: Concerned citizens wrote to the Chief Justice of India, demanding accountability for Justice Yadav’s remarks.
4. Public Outrage: Protests and petitions highlighted the slow response to the judge’s speech.

Why is this Incident Significant?

1. The incident highlights the erosion of judicial propriety.
2. It also raises concerns about the judiciary being influenced by political ideologies.
3. Public humiliation and divisive rhetoric from judicial figures harm the Constitution’s values of justice, liberty, and equality.

What Should Be Done?

1. Citizens, judiciary, and lawmakers must work together to protect constitutional values.
2. Resistance to hate speech and divisive rhetoric is essential.
3. The focus should be on reaffirming India’s pluralistic identity as outlined in the Preamble: “We, the people of India.”

Question for practice:

Examine how the controversial speech by Justice S.K. Yadav and its aftermath reflect the challenges to constitutional values and judicial accountability in India.