The court was hearing a petition by a 23-year-old man, represented by advocate Abhijay Negi.

Hearing a writ petition challenging the UCC provisions governing live-in relationships, the Uttarakhand High Court on Monday observed: “…you are brazenly living together without there being a marriage… What is the privacy that is being invaded?”

The court was hearing a petition by a 23-year-old man, represented by advocate Abhijay Negi.

The petitioner argued that these provisions of the UCC would “institutionalise” gossip. However, Chief Justice G Narendar said, “What is the secret? Both of you are living together – neighbours know them, society knows them. Where is the secrecy you are talking about? …Are you living secretly? …in some secluded cave? You are living amongst the civil society, you are brazenly living together without there being a marriage and what is the secret? What is the privacy that is being invaded?”

When the petitioner said newspapers were publishing reports about live-in relationships, the CJ asked for the materials to be placed before the court if there have been any names published by media outlets.

When the advocate said his client’s privacy was in jeopardy, the CJ asked him to approach the court in case there is any action against him in this regard.

The court tagged the petition with others challenging the UCC. The state has been asked to respond to the petitions and the next hearing is listed on April 1.

Earlier, while hearing the petition of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, moved by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, the CJ had said that if any prosecution was launched under the UCC, the affected individuals could approach the High Court. Sibal had sought a stay on the law.