Opposition MPs move to impeach Justice SK Yadav

Opposition MPs on Friday moved an impeachment motion in the Rajya Sabha seeking the removal of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav from the Allahabad High Court following his controversial remarks advocating that the country should function according to the wishes of the majority.

The lawmakers, led by Samajwadi Party MP Kapil Sibal, submitted a notice for impeachment to the Rajya Sabha Secretary General. The motion, signed by around 55 members, is expected to be discussed before the end of the winter session of Parliament.

Justice Yadav made the comments during an event organised by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Sunday in Prayagraj. In widely circulated videos, he endorsed the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and stated that laws should align with the preferences of the majority.

The remarks sparked widespread condemnation, with opposition leaders calling them divisive and unconstitutional.

The notice for impeachment states that the judge "engaged in hate speech and incitement" and "targeted minorities and displayed bias and prejudice against them" with his address at the VHP event.

This is not the first time Justice Yadav has been the subject of controversy. In September 2021, he drew criticism for making remarks regarding the sanctity of cows while hearing a case about their slaughter.

Under the Constitution, a judge can only be removed through a presidential order following an address by each House of Parliament. The removal motion must be supported by a majority of the total membership of each House and by at least two-thirds of the members present and voting. The motion must be presented to the President in the same parliamentary session. The grounds for removal are limited to proven misbehaviour or incapacity, making the impeachment of a judge a rare and complex process.