The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has urged all political parties to take a firm and immediate stand against Justice Shekhar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court over his deeply hateful and communal speech. The board, which represents the interests of the Muslim community on personal laws and constitutional matters, has expressed grave concern over what it termed “deliberate inaction” by the legal and political establishments for more than six months. 

In a formal representation sent to leaders across the political spectrum, AIMPLB demanded that appropriate constitutional and parliamentary action be initiated against the judge, citing the gravity of the speech and the symbolic importance of judicial neutrality.

According to the AIMPLB’s letter, authored by General Secretary Maulana Mohammed Fazlur Rahim Mujaddidi, the speech by Justice Yadav purported to uphold constitutional values but in reality conveyed a distorted and exclusionary interpretation of secularism, deeply rooted in the judge’s own religious identity. 

“The learned judge appears to have not only forgotten the position that he commands but has also disregarded the fact that the concept of a secular state, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, demands equal treatment of all religious and cultural practices,” the letter stated. 

It further added that Justice Yadav’s interpretation of secularism was “coloured by a strong religious consciousness” that appeared to be in conflict with the inclusive ethos of the country’s constitutional democracy. The board emphasised that freedom of faith is a cornerstone of India’s social fabric.

“Many religious practices, particularly in the realm of interpersonal relationships, are deeply embedded in community life. The judge’s comments, veiled in constitutional terminology, target one particular religion and threaten the rule of law,” the letter said. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)