Uttrakhand UCC
The Uttarakhand government has created a legal framework to formally recognize and regulate live-in relationships. Its purpose is to provide clear legal guidelines and protections for people in live-in relationships. Under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), people in a live-in relationship in Uttarakhand are required to submit details of the relationship to their local registrar.
Similarly, people in live-in relationships outside the state can register with their respective area registrars.
As per the rules, if any one of the spouses is below 21 years of age, the registrar has to compulsorily inform the police and also inform their parents. Registration is restricted to those married, in other live-in relationships, minors, or those in a relationship by coercion, coercion or fraudulent consent. These relations are highlighted as prohibited in Article 380. The government will only recognize relationships that are considered live-in according to local customs.
The Bill was introduced in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on February 5 and quickly passed on February 7, which aims to eradicate social evils. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami had said that the Act does not oppose live-in relationships or target any community but is inclusive under the Uniform Civil Code.
CM Dhami added that the legal framework guarantees to address the issues of formal recognition and regulation, legality, registration and maintenance of live-in relationships. This comprehensive approach protects the rights and welfare of partners and their children. At the same time, Leader of Opposition Bhuvan Kapri criticized the move as being against the cultural values of Devbhoomi
Penalties for violators
Failure to register a live-in relationship within thirty days is punishable with imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to ₹10,000. Providing false information is punishable with imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of up to ₹25,000. Failure to comply with the registration notice can result in imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to ₹25,000.
Registration will be done on online portal and mobile app
Registration will be facilitated through online platforms and mobile apps, making the process easier for applicants. The process of making the framework online, developed by a nine-member committee headed by former IAS officer Santosh Sinha, is in its final stages. However, it is likely to go online by the end of the year.
Uniform Civil Code Bill tabled in Uttarakhand Assembly mandates registration of ‘live-in relationships’ within a period of one month from the date of entering into the relationship.
Failure of registration would attract a punishment of three months. pic.twitter.com/qPvmJpkriQ
— Arvind Gunasekar (@arvindgunasekar) February 6, 2024
Section 384 states that spouses can terminate their live-in relationship by giving a statement to the Registrar, who will then notify the other partner. The registration process will start online and on the UCC mobile app by the end of the year.
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