Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to enforce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), making it mandatory for live-in couples to register their relationships with district authorities. Failure to comply could result in penalties, including imprisonment of up to six months.
Live-In Couples in Uttarakhand Must Register or Face Jail, New Rules Say
Under the newly launched UCC portal ucc.uk.gov.in, couples can register their live-in relationships online or offline by submitting a detailed 16-page form. A valid Aadhaar card is necessary for online registration, along with proof of residence and age verification.
Additionally, individuals with a history of previous relationships must provide supporting documents, such as,
For divorcees: A final divorce decree.
For widows/widowers: A spouse’s death certificate.
For annulled marriages: A final decree of nullity.
Live-in partners must complete the registration process within a month of entering the relationship. A Rs 500 fee is required, with an additional Rs 1,000 penalty for late registration. Termination of live-in relationships must also be recorded, costing another Rs 500.
Landlords Face Fines for Non-Compliance
The law extends its reach to landlords, who must verify the registration certificate of live-in couples before renting out property. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to Rs 20,000. As per Rule 20(8)(C) of the UCC, landlords must include the live-in relationship certificate as part of the rental agreement.
Restrictions on Certain Relationships
The UCC includes a list of 74 prohibited relationships, barring individuals from entering live-in partnerships with close relatives, including parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, and uncles.
If a live-in relationship falls under a prohibited category, a certificate from a religious leader or community head is required. This certificate must include the certifier’s full name, address, and mobile number.
Rights and Legal Benefits
Despite stringent regulations, registered live-in relationships come with legal protections. A woman can claim maintenance from her partner if abandoned, similar to spousal support in marriage. Additionally, a child born from a live-in relationship will be recognised as legitimate under the law. The registrar has 30 days to approve or reject an application. If denied, couples have the right to appeal the decision.
Netizens React To Uttarakhand’s Live-In Rules
Indian webcomic Sanitary Panels, created by artist Rachita Taneja, took a sharp jab at the new rules through a comic that gained traction on Twitter. Known for its distinct feminist perspective, Sanitary Panels often highlights social justice issues through its witty and thought-provoking illustrations. Take a look at her latest creation.
Another user raised concerns about the extent of involvement of religious figures in personal relationship decisions, highlighting the debate over individual autonomy versus regulatory frameworks.
Another user expressed frustration, asking whether adults who are of legal age and wish to enter into a non-binding live-in arrangement should really be required to obtain a legal document to confirm their ability to do so.
Another user raised concerns about the credibility of requiring a certificate from religious leaders.
Some individuals have backed the rules, with one stating, "We can't have wayward youth indulge in live-in relationships with multiple people, and later come demanding a share in property, have illegitimate children, and start legal headaches for parents/family.”
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