The Uttarakhand High Court delved into a contentious issue on Friday, as it heard a petition against the mandatory registration of live-in relationships prescribed by the newly implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. The petition, which asserts that the requirement infringes on constitutional rights, was presented before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Guhanathan Narendar and Justice Ashish Naithani.
This particular plea, filed by a couple from Maharashtra and Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, is part of a series of challenges against the UCC’s stipulations. The bench decided to consolidate this case with similar ones, scheduling the next hearing for April 1. The petitioners argue that the mandatory registration process is “unconstitutional” and violates their right to privacy. They contend that the detailed personal information required on the registration forms is intrusive and unnecessary.
Senior Supreme Court advocate Raju Ramachandran, representing the petitioners, criticized the registration forms for live-in relationships, highlighting a discrepancy in how personal information is solicited compared to marriage registrations. “The government does not have the right to infringe upon the privacy of any person,” Ramachandran argued, pointing out a perceived bias in the process.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appeared via video conference to defend the provisions, representing both the state and central governments. The governments are expected to submit their formal responses within six weeks, following a directive from the high court earlier this month during preliminary hearings of related petitions.
As Uttarakhand navigates these legal challenges, the debate over the UCC and its implications on personal freedoms and privacy continues to stir discussions and legal scrutiny. The outcome of these consolidated cases could significantly influence the future enforcement of the UCC’s controversial provisions.
