What Uttarakhand UCC Bill Proposes on Live-In Relationships | Explained

Dehrun: In a landmark and historic move, Uttarakhand government presented Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill during a special session of state Assembly on Tuesday. This legislative proposal followed submission of a draft by a government-appointed panel led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, which received clearance from state cabinet last week. UCC bill dresses various issues, including provisions for live-in relationships. Uniform Civil Code is one of promises me by BJP in last Uttarakhand assembly polls.

Why is UCC necessary?

Uttarakhand is all set to become first state in country to legally recognise live-in relationships if proposed bill secures approval in state assembly. legislation aims to establish a uniform law applicable to all citizens, irrespective of religion, dressing marriage, divorce, inheritance, option, and or personal matters. 

Live-in Relationship Rules As Per UCC

Mandatory registration of live-in relationships is a key feature of UCC presented in Uttarakhand Assembly. According to proposed bill, individuals engaging in live-in relationships are required to submit statements to Registrar. Failure to register within a month could result in penalties, including imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of Rs 10,000, or both.

It is to be noted that statements provided by live-in partners will be forwarded to local police station's officer-in-charge. In case of misinformation, authorities will notify police station accordingly. Those withholding information or providing false statements could face imprisonment for up to three months, a fine not exceeding Rs 25,000, or both, as outlined in proposed UCC Bill.

Registrar is mandated to maintain registers for live-in relationship statements and termination statements, following prescribed procedures.

Children born from live-in relationship get ir rights

If approved, Uttarakhand will become first state post-independence to implement a Uniform Civil Code. Couples, with those below 21, requires parental consent, as per UCC bill. UCC bill also specified that married or minor individuals are ineligible for live-in relationship registration.

According to bill, a woman abandoned in a live-in relationship can also seek court intervention and claim maintenance. ditionally, children born from live-in relationships are deemed legitimate, entitling m to rights and benefits equivalent to legally wedded offspring.