Justice Guhanathan Narendar was appointed as Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court on December 26, succeeding Justice Ritu Bahri. The oath-taking ceremony was held at Raj Bhawan, administered by Governor Lt Gen (retd) Gurmit Singh. Narendar has an extensive legal career and previously served in both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh High Courts.
Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia, born on August 10, 1960, has had a distinguished legal career spanning over three decades. He was appointed to the Supreme Court of India on May 9, 2022, after serving as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and has authored 81 judgments, contributing to legal excellence and public service. He will retire on August 9, 2025.
The Uttarakhand Government informed the High Court that no permission was granted for a maha panchayat organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, scheduled for December 1, related to demands for demolishing a mosque. The Court emphasized maintaining law and order and scheduled a hearing for December 5 amid rising tensions in the area.
![[UPNL Employees Case] Major Defeat to Uttarakhand Govt. as SC Dismissed SLP](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image-13-1.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Uttarakhand government faced a legal loss in the Supreme Court over UPNL employees, as the court dismissed its Special Leave Petition, upholding a 2018 High Court ruling for “equal pay for equal work.” This decision impacts around 25,000 UPNL employees, reigniting hopes for fair wages and employment regulation.
The Uttarakhand High Court granted default bail to 50 individuals accused of serious charges relating to the violence in Haldwani’s Banbhoolpura. The court overturned a lower court’s decision to allow the police additional time to file the charge sheet. The ruling stemmed from delays and sluggishness in the police probe, leading to concerns about prolonged detention without prompt investigation.
The Uttarakhand High Court warned of hostile forces waging a “war of drugs” to fragment India. It criticized unprofessional investigations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and stressed the need for better training for police personnel. The Court also granted bail to an appellant, emphasizing the importance of meticulous drug-related case investigations.
The Uttarakhand High Court has revoked a directive requiring an interfaith couple in a live-in relationship to register under the yet-to-be-implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) of Uttarakhand. The court had earlier granted police protection on this condition but modified the order after learning that the UCC had not been notified despite Presidential assent.
The Uttarakhand High Court granted police protection to an interfaith couple in a live-in relationship, provided they register their relationship under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within 48 hours. The Court’s decision referenced the Supreme Court’s judgment in Lata Singh v. State of UP, which offers protection to interfaith couples. The UCC in Uttarakhand mandates registration for live-in couples.
The Uttarakhand High Court has urged the state government to reconsider the necessity of arresting minor boys and girls on dates, emphasizing the potential negative impact on young lives. The Court’s suggestion aims to prevent the unnecessary criminalization of typical adolescent behavior and highlights the need for a more empathetic and understanding approach. This could lead to significant changes in how the legal system handles cases involving minors.
![[Judges' Desire vs Lawyers' Concerns] Uttarakhand HC Relocation Sparks Controversy](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-4-1.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
The Uttarakhand High Court’s proposal to relocate from Nainital has stirred historical grievances and regional tensions. The plan, temporarily stayed by the Supreme Court, rekindled debates on the state’s formation and revived the longstanding Kumaon versus Garhwal dispute. Legal practitioners grapple with uncertainties, reflecting deep-seated concerns about the proposed move.