'Simply Because She Chose To Live On Her Own Terms': Ex-SC Judge Weighs In On Radhika Yadav Murder

Last Updated:July 12, 2025, 16:40 IST

Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul condemned the violent act, calling it an embodiment of deep-rooted societal resistance to autonomy, especially when it comes to women

Radhika Yadav was shot dead by her father Deepak on July 10 in Gurugram. (Photos: X)

In a statement that resonates with the tragedy of state-level tennis player Radhika Yadav’s death, former Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul condemned the violent act, calling it an embodiment of deep-rooted societal resistance to autonomy, especially when it comes to women.

“Look at what is happening around us. You have a father shooting his own daughter simply because she chose to live life on her own terms. This is not just an individual crime—it’s a symptom of the deep-rooted resistance to autonomy, particularly when it comes to women or anyone who challenges traditional norms," he said.

Kaul added: “Forget urban spaces—in many parts of the country, relationships are still seen through the narrow prism of control, honour, and social pressure. This kind of violence is not just about one family or one incident; it reflects a much larger issue about how freedom and identity are still seen as threats rather than rights."

The 25-year-old Radhika was brutally murdered by her father, Deepak Yadav, in an incident that has shocked the nation and raised serious questions about familial control, traditional expectations, and the struggle for autonomy.

A promising athlete, she was shot four times in the chest on the eve of her mother’s birthday in Gurugram. Ironically, she was preparing a surprise celebration for her mother when the tragic event unfolded.

According to reports, Radhika had been in a tense relationship with her father for some time. While Deepak Yadav had invested significant money into his daughter’s tennis career, their relationship began to deteriorate as Radhika sought to break free from the intense familial control her father imposed on her.

WhatsApp chats between Radhika and her coach suggest that she was constantly battling restrictive expectations from her father. In one conversation, Radhika expressed her frustration, telling her coach, “Idhar kaafi restrictions hai," indicating the severe limitations placed on her personal choices.

On the day of the murder, Radhika had attempted to reason with her father, trying to reassure him by saying, “You’ve spent crores on me, have faith." She pleaded for understanding and trust, but Deepak shot her in cold blood. The autopsy report revealed that Radhika was struck with four gunshots, confirming the brutality of the attack.

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S...Read More

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S...

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