Fri Jan 17 13:48:44 UTC 2025: ## Allahabad High Court Judge Faces FIR Demand After Communal Speech
**NEW DELHI, January 17, 2025** – A group of prominent senior advocates have petitioned Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, urging an investigation into Allahabad High Court Judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav. The petition, signed by Indira Jaising, Aspi Chinoy, and several others, alleges that Judge Yadav made inflammatory communal remarks during a December 8th Vishwa Hindu Parishad event.
The advocates contend that Judge Yadav’s speech drew a stark and divisive distinction between religious communities, violating judicial impartiality. They claim the comments constitute offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically Sections 196 (promoting enmity between groups) and 302 (wounding religious feelings).
Judge Yadav denies the allegations, stating his words were taken out of context. He has reportedly already met with Supreme Court Collegium judges.
The petition cites a 1991 Supreme Court judgment (K. Veeraswami case) which mandates consultation with the Chief Justice of India before initiating criminal proceedings against High Court judges. The advocates, however, believe the seriousness of the allegations warrants the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The petition’s call for accountability highlights the complex procedures involved in holding judges accountable for misconduct.
First Piper 