Daijiworld Media Network – Prayagraj

Prayagraj, Jan 18: Allahabad High Court judge justice Shekhar Yadav, who was at the center of a controversy following his remarks at a Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) event in December, has declined to participate in a seminar on the Ram temple movement scheduled for January 22 in the Kumbh Mela area.

Organisers of the event, titled Rashtriya Sangoshthi: Ram Mandir Aandolan aur Gorakshpeeth, confirmed that Justice Yadav cited January 22 being a working day as the reason for his decision. Shashi Prakash Singh, the seminar convener, stated, "Members of the organising committee had initially secured his consent, but he later informed us that he would not be able to attend due to professional commitments."

The seminar is being held to commemorate the first anniversary of the consecration ceremony of Lord Ram Lalla at the Ayodhya Ram temple. Other prominent speakers, including senior RSS pracharak Ashok Bery and VHP leader Bade Dinesh Ji Singh, are still scheduled to address the event.

Justice Yadav’s remarks at a VHP gathering on December 8 stirred controversy after videos of his speech were widely circulated on social media. His comments, which touched on sensitive topics like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who labelled them as "hate speech." Justice Yadav had stated that the UCC's primary aim was to promote social harmony, gender equality, and secularism.

The Supreme Court took cognizance of the issue following news reports about the statements. On December 10, the apex court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, sought a report from the Allahabad High Court on the matter. Justice Yadav subsequently appeared before the Supreme Court Collegium to clarify his remarks.

The seminar will proceed as planned without Justice Yadav’s participation, organisers said, reaffirming their aim to shed light on the historical and cultural significance of the Ram temple movement.