Uttarakhand has made history as the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which now mandates live-in couples to register their relationships with district authorities. Effective immediately, this move aligns with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami's announcement on January 27, 2025, and has since ignited discussions across the country.
Under the new regulations, couples living together are required to complete the registration process through the UCC portal, ucc.uk.gov.in. The detailed 16-page form necessitates submission of various documents, including valid proof of identity such as Aadhaar cards, and other supporting paperwork confirming their eligibility for cohabitation.
Notably, those with previous relationships must provide additional documentation, which varies based on their circumstances—divorce decrees for divorcees, death certificates for widows and widowers, and nullity decrees for annulled marriages. Prompt compliance is necessary, as couples must register within one month of establishing their relationship to avoid penalties, including jail time of up to six months for non-compliance.
The regulations stipulate registration fees of Rs 500, with additional charges for late registrations. Termination of live-in relationships also needs to be officially recorded, incurring another fee. For landlords, the stipulations are strict; they are responsible for verifying the registration certificate of their tenants who are live-in couples before renting out property. Failure to comply could result in fines upwards of Rs 20,000.
One of the noteworthy features of the UCC is its outlined prohibitions, where individuals are restricted from entering live-in partnerships with certain relatives, encompassing 74 defined categories. To circumvent these restrictions, couples must obtain a certificate from recognized religious figures or community leaders, which includes their contact details, enhancing the scrutiny of personal relationships.
Despite the stringent nature of the UCC, registered live-in couples are afforded legal protections akin to those of spouses. For example, women claim maintenance from partners if they are abandoned, and children born from live-in arrangements are granted legitimacy under the law. Upon submission, the registrar has 30 days to process the applications, ensuring couples can appeal decisions if their registration is rejected.
This legislative change hasn't gone unnoticed on social media, where reactions range from disbelief to support. Comic artist Rachita Taneja, known for her feminist commentary, has released critiques of the new requirements, questioning the necessity of such extensive regulations. One user highlighted concerns by questioning, "If I want to marry someone or get involved with someone, why do I require the permission of a clergyman?"
Conversely, supporters of the UCC defend the regulations, arguing, "We can't have wayward youth indulge in live-in relationships with multiple people, and later come demanding property shares or create legal complications for families." This perspective emphasizes the need to establish boundaries and manage social conduct amid changing relationship dynamics.
Overall, the implementation of the UCC marks both cultural and legal shifts within Uttarakhand, stirring conversations about personal autonomy versus regulatory oversight. With its multifaceted approach, the UCC aims to formalize cohabitation and provide necessary legal frameworks, albeit amid significant public scrutiny.