The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) on Wednesday criticised remarks made by a judge of the Allahabad High Court in a case related to madrasas, calling them “factually wrong” and warning that they risk “creating disharmony.” The organisation emphasised that “judicial restraint is essential to maintain institutional balance.”
Background of the Case
The remarks were made by Justice Atul Sreedharan while hearing a petition challenging a directive from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The NHRC had ordered the Director General of the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), Uttar Pradesh, to investigate allegations of financial mismanagement in madrasas and submit an action-taken report. During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel sought an adjournment due to the absence of the arguing counsel. No one appeared for the NHRC as notice had not been served. While granting the adjournment, Justice Sreedharan recorded a prima facie view questioning the NHRC’s jurisdiction and made broader observations on its functioning.
VHP’s Reaction
VHP president Alok Kumar stated that the remarks were made “in the absence of arguments” and went beyond the scope of the case, describing them as unwarranted commentary on the NHRC. He also pointed to the dissent recorded by co-judge Justice Vivek Saran, who stated that he differed from the order dictated by Justice Sreedharan, indicating a split within the bench.
The VHP said it condemns all forms of violence, including lynching, “irrespective of religion,” but objected to what it called a selective portrayal of such incidents as targeting a particular community. “Criminals do not belong to any religion,” Kumar said, adding that such remarks are inaccurate and socially divisive.
Call for Judicial Discipline
The organisation cautioned that observations on sensitive communal issues, especially when not central to the case, could undermine institutional credibility. It urged courts to adhere strictly to judicial discipline and avoid sweeping generalisations, stressing that constitutional authorities must exercise restraint in public reasoning.
The VHP’s statement comes amid growing concerns over judicial overreach and the need for maintaining harmony in a diverse society.
