Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Thursday, January 9, that the state will implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within this month.
The Supreme Court ordered the release of a convict in the 1994 triple murder case, noting he was a juvenile, just 14 years old, at the time of the crime. The apex court observed that he had already served over 25 years in prison. The decision was made under provisions of juvenile justice laws. This ruling highlights the court’s stance on rehabilitative justice for juveniles.
The Supreme Court on Friday (20th Dec) addressed a plea alleging illegal construction near Uttarakhand’s Rajaji National Park, questioning its legitimacy. If violations are found, demolition may occur; otherwise, a penalty may be imposed. The court noted concerns about road construction breaching wildlife protection laws, emphasizing the need for compliance and accountability in environmental matters.
Today, On 16th December, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna urged petitioners opposing the ‘Dharam Sansad’ in Ghaziabad to request an expedited hearing. The petition, led by Prashant Bhushan, claims the event advocates “genocide of Muslims.” Organized by Yati Narsinghanand, it raises concerns over hate speech and potential communal unrest, reflecting past controversies.
The Supreme Court directed six states to respond within six weeks regarding non-compliance in DGP appointments, including Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Allegations of violations include preferential appointments undermining seniority and politicization of police leadership. The UPSC must prepare appointment panels and report status by March 2025.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud shared his daughters’ struggle with nemaline myopathy, a genetic disorder that impairs muscle function. He criticized the painful diagnostic tests and the lack of awareness and facilities for affected families in India. Health experts emphasized the condition’s rarity, symptoms, and management strategies, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari has been appointed as the Acting Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, effective from October 11, 2024, following the retirement of Justice Ritu Bahri. This appointment ensures judicial continuity, while Justice Narendar’s nomination for Chief Justice awaits government approval, marking a transitional period for the court.
The Supreme Court granted Uttarakhand two months to finalize a rehabilitation plan for residents facing eviction from railway land in Haldwani. The court emphasized the need for appropriate rehabilitation measures due to the human aspect of the issue. The case involves thousands of encroachments, with residents seeking to prove their legitimate rights to the land.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for a secular civil code, denouncing the current communal civil code in India. Highlighting the Supreme Court’s support for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), he called for its implementation to eliminate religious discrimination. The UCC aims to establish uniform laws across all religions in areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, succession, and adoption. Despite support from the ruling party, the timeline for implementation remains uncertain, sparking strong opinions and debates.
The Supreme Court today extended its interim order, maintaining the stay on directives from BJP-governed states that required eateries along Kanwar Yatra routes to display owner and staff details. The opposition criticized these directives as divisive, discriminatory against Muslims. The court promised an early hearing and expressed disapproval of the Uttar Pradesh government’s failure to comply with its order.
