The Governor of Uttarakhand has returned two significant legislations passed during the assembly session in Gairsain on August 20: the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Amendment Bill and the amendment to the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion and Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. The Governor's House has cited technical discrepancies and clerical errors as the reasons for sending the bills back for reconsideration.
Objections To The Uniform Civil Code Amendment Bill
The Governor’s House raised specific objections regarding Section 4 of the UCC Amendment Bill, which deals with the provision for punishment for marriage below the prescribed age.
Dual Provisions: The Governor noted a contradiction in Clause 3 of Section 4, where a new punishment was inserted while the existing punishment clause was left intact, creating a state of confusion.
Legislative Conflict: Sources indicate that the punishment provision in this clause was initially in conflict with the Child Marriage Act. While the explicit mention of the Child Marriage Act was removed from the bill, the related punishment clause was inadvertently retained.
Clerical Errors In Anti-Conversion Bill
The amendment to the Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion and Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act was also returned due to clerical errors that rendered the text unclear.
Context: The Dhami government had amended this Act to make it extremely strict following the much-discussed 'Chhangur case.' The new provisions include a fine of up to Rs1,000,000 and life imprisonment.
The Issue: The Governor’s message indicated that clerical errors in the punishment provisions across various sections made the bill incomprehensible. The Governor has directed the government to resubmit the bill after making it clear and legally sound.
Government Plans
Ordinances To Avoid Delay: Following the return of the bills, a high-level meeting involving the Legislative and Religious Affairs Departments was held to discuss the Governor's message.
Immediate Action: To prevent delays in implementing the strict provisions of both Acts, sources suggest that the state government is planning to introduce ordinances for both matters.
Current Status: The Religious Affairs Department is currently engaged in preparing the necessary drafts, and the UCC bill has been forwarded to the Home Department for review.