Punjab & Haryana HC Dismisses PIL Seeking Promulgation Of Law To Make ‘Karwa Chauth’ Compulsory For All Women; Imposes Costs Of ₹ 1k
The Punjab and Haryana High Court held that such subject matter fell within the exclusive domain of the Legislature.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed a PIL seeking compulsory participation of all women, including widows, divorcees, separated women, and those in live-in relationships, in Karwa Chauth rituals.
The Court imposed costs of Rs. 1k on the Petitioner while holding, “The said subject falls within the exclusive domain of the legislature and this Court, therefore, declines interference in the present matter.”
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel ordered, “Dismissed as withdrawn with a token costs of Rs. 1,000/- to be deposited by the petitioner with the Poor Patient Welfare Fund, PGIMER, Chandigarh.”
Advocate Satish Chaudhary represented the Petitioner, while Addl. Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain appeared for the Respondents.
Brief Facts
The Petitioner sought the following directions:
- Declaration of Karwa Chauth as a festival for all women, irrespective of their marital status, including widows, divorcees, separated women, and women in live-in relationships.
- Renaming the festival as "Maa Gaura Utsav" or "Maa Parvati Utsav".
- Introduction of laws making it compulsory for all women to participate in Karwa Chauth rituals, with punishment for any group or individual denying participation to women.
Court’s Reasoning
The High Court stated that the subject matter of the Petition fell within the exclusive domain of the Legislature.
“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,” the Bench noted.
Accordingly, the High Court dismissed the PIL as withdrawn with a token costs.
Cause Title: Narender Kumar Malhotra v. Union of India & Anr. (Neutral Citation: 2025:PHHC:009194-DB)
Appearance:
Petitioner: Advocate Satish Chaudhary; Petitioner appeared in-person
Respondents: Addl. Solicitor General Satya Pal Jain; Advocate Neha Sharma
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