Punjab and Haryana High Court slaps ₹1,000 costs on PIL to make Karwa Chauth compulsory

The Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed a plea seeking to make Karwa Chauth, a Hindu ritual, compulsory. The plea had argued that making the fasting ritual mandatory would help preserve religious practices. However, the Court ruled that such a mandate would violate individual rights and freedom of choice. It emphasized that religious practices should remain voluntary and not be forced upon individuals, particularly in the context of personal beliefs and freedoms.