Uttarakhand Enacts Uniform Civil Code: What's In It For Live-In Couples

Uttarakhand is the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), as announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The CM stated that the UCC will bring equality in society and ensure that all citizens have the same rights and responsibilities. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “UCC is just an offering made by our state in the great 'yagya' being performed by the Prime Minister to make the country a developed, organised, harmonious and self-reliant nation.” The rules need to be followed in the prescribed format “proof of permissibility of marriage between the registrants if they are within the degrees of prohibited relationship”. A new law now requires that all live-in relationships be officially registered with the authorities.

What Is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

The Uniform Civil Code is a law established to create a common set of legal rules for all citizens, no matter their religion or community. It will standardize laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, property rights, and adoption. By adopting the UCC, Uttarakhand ensures that every citizen follows the same legal framework, promoting equality for all under the law.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) In Uttarakhand 

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Act, passed by the state Assembly in February 2024, requires couples to register with the government when starting or ending a live-in relationship. If they fail to register, they could face up to six months in jail. This rule applies to both residents of Uttarakhand and those from the state living in other parts of India.

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Rules For Live-in Couples Under UCC 

The rules, which took effect on January 2, explain the documents needed for the registration process. Registration can be done either online or offline. Rule 15 (3) in Chapter 5 states the “information to be included in the Statement of Live-in Relationship”. These documents should be attached to a 16-page form, known as Form 3, which is part of the Annexures to the Rules, “already in a live-in relationship or intending to enter into a live-in relationship”. 

The new law requires all live-in relationships to be registered with the authorities. For those involved in live-in relationships where one person is under the age of 21, parental consent will be needed. If people fail to register their live-in relationships or provide false information, they could face penalties, including up to three months in jail, a fine of Rs 25,000, or both. 

The law applies to both residents of Uttarakhand and anyone in a live-in relationship outside the state. Also, if there is a delay of even one month in registering the relationship, it could result in fine or imprisonment. 

“Aadhaar numbers, names, dates of birth, nationalities; category (General/SC/ OBC /Others); mobile numbers linked with Aadhaar and alternate mobile numbers; email IDs; present & permanent addresses; and proof(s) of residency (wherever applicable),” are the details of registration that are mentioned in the rules. All required documents must be attached to a 16-page form.

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Here’s what’s required for the registration:

• A 16-page form (Form 3) needs to be filled out for registration. 
• Aadhaar-linked OTP and a registration fee are needed.
• A certificate from a religious leader confirming eligibility for marriage.
• Proof of any previous relationships (like divorce).
• Proof of eligibility for marriage if the couple is within prohibited relationship degrees.
• The registrar has the authority to ask individuals to register their relationship.
• Registration is mandatory for landlords, and certificates must be shown.

The new rules have raised concerns about the challenges they may create for interfaith and inter-caste relationships. People are questioning how secular law and religious approval might divide and affect these relationships.

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