UCC: Uttarakhand HC Relief for People

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

The Uttarakhand High Court has provided relief to individuals facing penal action under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The court stated that affected individuals can approach the court and will be granted a hearing. This order follows the Uttarakhand government’s implementation of the UCC. The court is hearing petitions challenging the UCC’s implementation. False complaints under the UCC will be penalized with fines.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The Uttarakhand High Court has granted significant relief to individuals affected by the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The court stated that individuals can approach the court against any action taken by authorities. This order comes after the Uttarakhand government became the first state to implement the UCC.

Chief Justice G Narendar informed Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal that anyone facing penal action under the UCC can seek recourse from the court and will be given a hearing. The High Court had previously issued notices to the Uttarakhand government, requesting responses to petitions challenging the new law.

This decision comes as the Uttarakhand government issued a warning against misusing the UCC through false complaints. According to an official statement, individuals filing false complaints with the police under the law will face fines, recoverable as land revenue.

The state government has implemented a structured penalty system to deter misuse of the UCC. Under Chapter 6, Rule 20 (Subsection 02) of the UCC rules, individuals making false complaints will receive a warning for the first offense. Subsequent offenses will result in fines of Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000, respectively.

The fine must be deposited online within 45 days. Failure to do so will result in the amount being recovered by the tehsil officer. The government stated that this provision aims to prevent harassment and ensure that applications and registrations under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) remain dispute-free.

Uttarakhand, governed by the BJP, became the first state in independent India to implement the UCC on January 27th. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which standardizes personal laws on marriage, divorce, and property across all religions, has garnered both support and criticism. For instance, Goa has a Portuguese-era civil code.

One of the most debated provisions is the mandatory registration of live-in relationships, which some argue could infringe upon individual’s right to privacy. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami defended the move, stating it would help prevent incidents like the Shraddha Walkar murder case. He argued that the registration would provide a layer of accountability and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

The Uttarakhand High Court has offered relief to those facing action under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Penalties will be enforced for false complaints made under the UCC. Mandatory registration of live-in relationships is part of the UCC.

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