In a big relief for people affected by the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Uttarkhand High Court today gave them permission to approach the court against any action taken by the authorities. The order comes days after the Uttarakhand government announced the implementation of UCC, making it the first state to do so.
The order was passed during the hearing of petitions challenging the UCC's implementation in the state.
"If any individual is affected, they may approach this bench...If any action, please come (to us)..." remarked the High Court Division bench.
Chief Justice G Narendar, addressing Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for the petitioners, stated that anyone facing penal action under the UCC could move the court and would be given a hearing. The High Court had earlier issued notices to the Uttarakhand government, seeking its response to the petitions challenging the new law.
The court's decision comes as the Uttarakhand government issued a stern warning against the misuse of the UCC through false complaints. According to an official statement released on Thursday, those who lodge false complaints with the police under the law will face fines, which will be recovered as land revenue.
The state government has introduced a structured penalty system to deter misuse. Under Chapter 6, Rule 20 (Subsection 02) of the UCC rules, individuals making false complaints will receive a warning for the first offence. If they repeat the act, they will be fined Rs 5,000, and a third violation will result in a Rs 10,000 penalty.
The fine must be deposited online within 45 days, failing which the amount will be recovered through a by tehsil officer. The government stated that this provision aims to prevent harassment and ensure that applications and registrations under the UCC remain dispute-free.
Uttarakhand, a BJP-ruled state, became the first in Independent India to implement the UCC on January 27. The law, which standardises personal laws on marriage, divorce, and property across all religions, has sparked both support and criticism.
One of its most debated provisions is the mandatory registration of live-in relationships, which some argue could infringe upon individuals' right to privacy. However, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami defended the move, stating that it would help prevent incidents like the brutal murder of Shraddha Walkar by her live-in partner Aftab Poonawala.
Source: India Today