Court Orders Security for Interfaith Couple Amid UCC Confusion

The Uttarakhand High Court has ordered police to provide security to an interfaith live-in couple if they register their relationship under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within 48 hours. The ruling came despite the UCC not yet being implemented in the state. Following the order, a misunderstanding was clarified and a revised order is expected.

In an unexpected turn of events, the Uttarakhand High Court has directed the police to ensure security for an interfaith live-in couple, provided they register their relationship within 48 hours under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), although the code is not yet enforced in the state.

Justices Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Pankaj Purohit issued the protection order after the couple, feeling threatened by their families, filed a petition. The court ruled that if the couple applies for registration within the specified time, the local station house officer must ensure their protection for six weeks.

The government's legal representative later admitted that the junior advocate was unaware of the UCC's non-implementation in Uttarakhand, terming it a misunderstanding. A revised order is anticipated, with interim protection provided to the couple in the meantime.

(With inputs from agencies.)