Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, a prominent leader of the National Conference and a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, announced plans on Tuesday to file an impeachment motion against Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court. Mehdi’s decision follows alleged inflammatory remarks made by the judge during an event organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Mehdi stated that he has already garnered support from members of the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, and Trinamool Congress for the proposed motion.
“I am submitting an impeachment motion in Parliament under Article 124(4) of the Constitution for the removal of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, currently serving in the Allahabad High Court. The charges are outlined in the notice,” Mehdi posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Justice Yadav reportedly made controversial comments during a VHP legal cell convention on December 8, where he described the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as essential for fostering social harmony, gender equality, and secularism.
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Videos from the event, which included discussions on sensitive topics such as laws favoring majority communities, surfaced online and sparked widespread criticism. Opposition leaders denounced his participation in the VHP event, labeling his remarks as “hate speech” and questioning the impartiality of a sitting judge engaging in such discourse.
Mehdi revealed that seven Members of Parliament have already signed the notice, but at least 100 signatures are required to formally submit the motion.
“Signatories so far include prominent figures like @asadowaisi, Shri Rajkumar Roat, MP from Rajasthan; Shri Sudhama Prasad, MP from Bihar; Jinab Mohibbullah, MP from Uttar Pradesh; and Jinab Ziau Rahman, also an MP from Uttar Pradesh. I am grateful for their support,” Mehdi stated.
The Srinagar MP further mentioned discussions with members of the Congress, Samajwadi Party, DMK, and Trinamool Congress, who have assured their backing pending approval from their respective leaderships.
“I am optimistic about their support, as these parties uphold the principles and values of India’s constitutional democracy,” Mehdi added, emphasizing the significance of the motion in protecting the idea of an inclusive India.
The impeachment motion highlights ongoing concerns over judicial impartiality and the influence of political ideologies on India’s judiciary.