Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 14 May: In a historic move, Haridwar police have registered the country’s first case under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) relating to the practice of halala. The case was filed at Buggawala police station after a complaint was lodged by a woman against her husband and in-laws. The FIR marks a significant step in the enforcement of the new UCC law in Uttarakhand. It may also be reminded here that some other BJP ruled states are now following suit and are announcing implementation of UCC.
The complainant, Shaheen, accused her husband Mohammad Danish and members of his family of harassment and violation of her marital rights. According to the police report, Danish has been charged under sections 32(1)(ii) and 32(1)(iii) of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Uttarakhand 2024 (Amendment 2026), which specifically prohibit and penalise practices such as halala.
The Police have also invoked other stringent provisions. The charges include section 115(2) and section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 for voluntarily causing hurt, sections 3 and 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 relating to triple talaq, and sections 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
SSP Navneet Bhullar informed the media that that Buggalwala police have carried out a detailed investigation, following which Sub-Inspector Manoj Kumar prepared the charge sheet and presented it before the Judicial Magistrate, Second, Roorkee. Along with the main accused Danish, the names of his father Mohammad Arshad, Parvez, Javed and Gulshana have also been included in the case.
This case is being seen as a major step towards the effective implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand, aimed at safeguarding women’s marital rights and eliminating regressive practices. It sets a precedent for similar actions across the country, reinforcing the state’s commitment to legal reforms and gender justice.
