Punjab and Haryana HC dismisses plea to make Karwa Chauth compulsory for all women, imposes token cost
The moon holds sway over tides and hearts alike, but this time it found itself at the centre of a peculiar legal plea.
In a petition filed in public interest before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, directions were sought to make Karwa Chauth — a festival celebrating marital longevity — a universal ritual for all women, regardless of marital or social status.
Karwa Chauth is a cherished tradition where women fast from dawn to moonrise, praying for their husband’s health and prosperity.
The festival’s rituals often culminate in a moonlit evening as wives break their fast after catching a glimpse of the celestial orb through a sieve — a sight that has inspired countless poems and Bollywood moments.
But for the petitioner, the tradition was apparently not inclusive enough. Arguing that widows, divorcees, separated women and even those in live-in relationships were often excluded from participating, he sought to amend the law to make participation compulsory. He also asked for punitive action against anyone denying such participation.
Taking up the matter, the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel observed the petitioner was seeking “declaration of the celebration of Karwa Chauth by women folk irrespective of their status of being widows, separated, divorcees and the women in live-in relations”
He was also seeking directions that Karwa Chauth be declared a “festival of good fortunes of women folk”, ‘Maa Gaura Utsav’ or ‘Maa Parvati Utsav’. Directions were further sought to the Government of India and the State of Haryana to take suitable measures and carryout relevant amendments in law to ensure participation of all sections and classes of women.
“The denial or refusal by any group of persons to such participation must be declared punishable and such action on their part being untenable and liable to be quashed,” the petitioner added.
The Bench asserted: “The principal grievance which is projected as a social cause by the petitioner appears to be that certain sections of women, especially widows, are not allowed to perform the rituals of Karwa Chauth. Therefore, a law be promulgated making it compulsory for all women, without any discrimination, to perform Karwa Chauth rituals and in case of default, the act of default should be made punishable.”
Observing that such matters fell under the “exclusive domain of the legislature”, the Bench declined to interfere. “At this juncture, counsel for the petitioner prays for withdrawal of this petition. Dismissed as withdrawn with a token cost of Rs 1,000 to be deposited by the petitioner with the poor patient welfare fund, PGIMER, Chandigarh,” the Bench concluded.
