Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday came to the defence of Allahabad High Court Justice Shekhar Yadav, who recently sparked controversy with remarks on the Uniform Civil Code and the Muslim community. Adityanath criticized the Opposition for seeking impeachment proceedings against the judge, accusing them of trying to silence those who speak the truth.
Adityanath endorsed Yadav’s call for a Uniform Civil Code, stating, “A Uniform Civil Code is indeed needed.” He argued that respecting the sentiments of the majority is a common practice globally and questioned whether it was a crime for anyone in India to voice such a position. “The sentiments of the majority are respected the world over. If someone in India speaks about what is beneficial for the majority, if someone speaks that truth, is it a crime?”
However, Yadav’s speech on December 8 had included controversial remarks. He used a derogatory term for Muslims who have undergone circumcision and described the community as “harmful to the country.” Yadav also suggested that children from one community, implying Hindus, are taught values of compassion, while those from another, implying Muslims, are exposed to practices he labelled intolerant.
Yadav’s comments on the need for a Uniform Civil Code, which would enforce a unified set of laws for marriage, divorce, succession, and adoption across all citizens, further fueled the backlash.
In response, Adityanath criticized the Opposition for its call for Yadav’s impeachment, questioning how they could claim to be democratic while attempting to remove a judge for his opinion. He also expressed disdain for their hypocrisy, saying, “They carry copies of the Constitution but do not have the slightest shame. They are the ones throttling the Constitution.”
Impeachment Motion Against Vice President
The Chief Minister also weighed in on the Opposition’s call for impeachment proceedings against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. Adityanath defended Dhankhar’s role in presiding over the Rajya Sabha, praising his competence in upholding the Constitution. He also questioned the Opposition’s objection to a “farmer’s son” reaching such a high post, in reference to Dhankhar’s background.
The Opposition had earlier accused Dhankhar of conducting Rajya Sabha proceedings in a partisan manner. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh explained that the no-confidence motion against Dhankhar was prompted by his alleged failure to maintain fairness, allowing members from the treasury benches to make personal attacks on Opposition leaders without reprimand.
Adityanath’s remarks reflect the ruling party’s continued defence of its allies and judicial figures under scrutiny while criticizing the Opposition for perceived contradictions in their approach to constitutional matters.
