In a special session of the Uttarakhand state Assembly, the government presented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, following the submission of a draft by a government-appointed panel led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. The bill, which received clearance from the state cabinet, encompasses detailed provisions on various matters, including live-in relationships.
Aligning with judicial precedents, the Uttarakhand government has opted to mandate registration of all live-in relationships within the state. Furthermore, individuals from Uttarakhand residing in such arrangements outside the state are required to furnish a statement to the Registrar of the state.
The bill underscores that children born out of live-in relationships will be deemed legitimate offspring of the couple.
The proposed Uttarakhand UCC Bill introduces several safeguards for live-in partners, mandating that the Registrar ensure partners do not violate prohibitions on relationships, one partner is not already married or engaged in another live-in arrangement, and that consent is freely given without coercion or fraud.
Moreover, if either partner is under 21 years old, the Registrar must notify their parents or guardians about the registration or termination of the live-in relationship.
Failure to register a live-in relationship within one month of its commencement may lead to penalties, including imprisonment ranging from 3 to 6 months or a fine of up to ₹25,000, as per the UCC Bill.
Additionally, the bill extends rights akin to marriage to female live-in partners. If deserted by their partner, they have the right to claim maintenance, with provisions similar to those applicable in matrimonial cases under Chapter 5, Part 1 of the Code.
The Uttarakhand government’s move reflects a comprehensive approach to legal recognition and protection of individuals in live-in relationships, ensuring their rights and responsibilities are acknowledged within the legal framework.
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