As a landmark decision in the regulation of live-in relationships, Uttarakhand has introduced a uniform civil code (UCC) with the enforcement of a new Civil Code. In this case, the state requires all live-in partners to register their relationship officially, implementing rigorous documentation requirements along with a serious sanction in case of non-compliance.
Key Highlights of the New Rules for Uttarakhand Live-In Relationships
- Mandatory Registration: Non-married couples living together, who are required to affiliate with the district registrar, will be liable for up to six months imprisonment in case of non-compliance.
- Extensive Paperwork: Registration requires the completion of a (16-page) registration form together with (15) attached documents from a combination of proof of age, proof of residency, and proof of existing relationship information that can determine the person’s registration status.
- Parental Notification: If one or both partners are under 21, their parents will be informed.
- Fees and Penalties: The registration fee is Rs 500 and there is a penalty of Rs 1,000 for late registration. Even termination of a live-in relationship requires registration in a formal manner at the cost of Rs 500.
- Landlord Responsibility: Property owners have to check their tenants’ live-in registration status otherwise they can be imposed with a penalty of Rs 20,000.
- Prohibited Relationships: Specifically, a detailed 74 mutually exclusive prohibited relationships have been stipulated which would restrict certain family relationships from participating in a live-in relationship.
- Legal Protections: Live-in partners registered in the system are entitled to the same rights as married couples, such as maintenance rights for a woman in case of widowhood or divorce, and the legitimacy of children born from such relationships.
Registration Process and Compliance
Live-in partners are able to register through the website or offline and in the UCC portal (ucc.uk.gov.in). Aadhaar authentication is required for online submissions. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from a religious authority is also mandatory in the form if the relationship is under a restricted category.
Additionally, to be eligible to marry, couples are required to also present documentation of previous marriages, including divorce papers and death certificates, as applicable. For parents/guardians with children birth/adoption certificates are needed.
Public and Legal Reactions
Some praise it for the protection afforded, clarity, etc., however there are calls that the draconian standards restrict personal liberties. That obligation to absolute documentation and parental disclosure has led to controversies on privacy and autonomy in personal relations.
With Uttarakhand becoming the first state to implement such a law, the effectiveness and societal impact of these regulations will be closely watched. It is to be seen whether, in the coming states, similar policies are to be followed or modified.
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