Uttarakhand Government to Amend Live-in Relationship Rules Under UCC

Uttarakhand is poised for significant legal changes concerning live-in relationships, as the state government has officially informed the High Court of its intention to amend the existing rules under the recently implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This pivotal announcement, made via an affidavit, signals a proactive move to refine the legal framework governing cohabitation, a topic that has sparked considerable debate and scrutiny.

The Uniform Civil Code, enacted by the Uttarakhand Assembly in February 2024, made history as the first such legislation in independent India.

Among its wide-ranging provisions, the UCC notably mandated the registration of live-in relationships, defining them as relationships 'in the nature of marriage'. Failure to register could potentially lead to serious consequences, including imprisonment up to three months or a fine of up to Rs 10,000, or both.

This particular aspect drew both praise for offering protection and criticism for perceived intrusion into personal lives.

The government's latest affidavit comes in response to a petition filed by a woman seeking protection for her live-in relationship. Her plea highlighted the need for clarity and robust legal safeguards for individuals choosing to cohabitate outside the traditional marriage structure.

The High Court, hearing this petition, pressed the state government for its stand, leading to this crucial disclosure.

In its detailed response, the Uttarakhand government explicitly stated, 'The existing rules regarding live-in relationships, including their registration, are proposed to be amended under the Uniform Civil Code.' While the specifics of these proposed amendments are yet to be disclosed, this commitment from the state indicates a willingness to address concerns and potentially streamline the process or modify certain clauses that proved contentious during the initial rollout.

Experts believe these amendments could focus on clarifying the definition of live-in relationships, simplifying the registration process, or re-evaluating the penal provisions associated with non-registration.

The move is seen as an attempt to strike a better balance between ensuring social security and respecting individual liberties, reflecting an adaptive approach to law-making in a dynamic social landscape.

This development underscores the ongoing evolution of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand, demonstrating that its implementation is not a static event but an ongoing process of refinement and adaptation.

As the government prepares to table the amendments, all eyes will be on how these changes will shape the future of live-in relationships in the state and potentially influence similar discussions nationwide.