From ‘Cow Exhales Oxygen’ To Uniform Civil Code: Justice Shekhar Yadav's Trail Of Controversies

Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court has once again ignited controversy with his remarks at a recent event organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Speaking on the topic Uniform Civil Code: A Constitutional Necessity, Justice Yadav presented strong views on the role of religion and governance in India, emphasizing the need for majority-driven policies and cultural preservation, as reported by Live Law.

During his address, Justice Yadav openly declared his commitment to ensuring the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). He described it as a constitutional necessity that reflects the aspirations of the country's majority population. Linking the construction of the Lord Rama temple in Ayodhya to the sacrifices of past generations, he invoked religious sentiments, stressing that Hindus should not be perceived as cowards. He also criticized certain practices within the Muslim community, such as polygyny and halal meat, arguing that these contradicted the evolving cultural ethos of India.

Justice Yadav's statements further included a warning that abandoning Hindu cultural values could lead India to societal decay akin to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan or Bangladesh. Additionally, he expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent election rally remarks, agreeing with their underlying essence without directly quoting them.

According to the Live Law, this is not the first time Justice Yadav's statements have raised eyebrows. His judicial orders and public speeches have often courted attention, polarizing public opinion.

Past Controversies Surrounding Justice Yadav

Justice Yadav has made headlines in the past for his ideologically charged remarks. In a 2021 judgment, he denied bail to a man accused of cow slaughter, calling for the cow to be declared India's national animal. In this judgment, he claimed that "scientists believe cows are the only animals that inhale and exhale oxygen." He also linked cow products, such as panchgavya, to curing incurable diseases and asserted that the nation's prosperity depended on the welfare of cows.

In another case, he granted bail to a man booked for allegedly insulting Hindu deities on Facebook. Justice Yadav emphasized that freedom of speech must not infringe upon religious sentiments. He also suggested legislative measures to honour sacred texts like the Gita and Ramayana, proposing their inclusion in school curricula to instil cultural pride, as reported by Live Law.

Justice Yadav has also used his platform to praise Prime Minister Modi's initiatives. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he lauded the free vaccination campaign and even suggested postponing the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections due to rising concerns over the Omicron variant.

Professional Background

Justice Shekhar Yadav began his legal career in 1990 after earning his law degree from Allahabad University. Over the years, he served in various capacities, including as an Additional Government Advocate and Senior Counsel for the Union of India. Appointed as an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court in 2019, he became a permanent judge in 2021. He is set to retire in March 2026, as per media reports.

Recently, Justice Yadav delivered a lecture at the UK Parliament's Attlee Hall, where he spoke on Trailblazer of India: Pioneering the Path to Viksit Bharat 2047. In his address, he highlighted India's cultural resilience despite historical exploitation and praised PM Modi for steering the nation toward progress.

Justice Shekhar Yadav's remarks continue to evoke strong reactions, reflecting the intersection of judicial authority and ideological beliefs in contemporary India. While his statements resonate with certain sections of society, they also raise questions about the role of a judge in navigating complex societal issues.