The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the state government to file a response within four weeks regarding petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Solicitor General: Government Open to Amendments
A division bench comprising Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Ashish Naithani, during the hearing, asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta whether the government could consider new suggestions and make necessary amendments. Mehta responded that all suggestions would be welcomed.
Petitions Challenge UCC Provisions
The hearing took place on Thursday in response to Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by Nainital resident Prof. Uma Bhatt and a live-in couple. Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the petitioners, argued that the UCC provisions violate the right to privacy and impose unnecessary surveillance on live-in relationships. The High Court acknowledged that society has not yet fully accepted live-in relationships but emphasized that the law aims to accommodate social changes while protecting the rights of women and children.
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Assurance Against Punitive Action
During the proceedings, the Solicitor General assured the court that no punitive action would be taken in this matter. Additionally, on Advocate Vrinda Grover’s request, the High Court noted in its order that any individual facing punitive action would have the liberty to seek judicial recourse.
