How to register your live-in relationship under UCC in Uttarakhand?

New Delhi: Uttarakhand is poised to become the trailblazer in India's legal landscape. The state is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) with a groundbreaking online registration system for live-in couples and marriages. This progressive legislation, expected to be operational by the end of 2024, aims to streamline legal procedures and ensure equal rights for all citizens.

Streamlined processes with online registration

A dedicated nine-member panel, headed by former chief secretary Shatrughan Singh, is meticulously crafting the necessary rules for the UCC's rollout. These regulations are anticipated to be finalized by June. The online registration system, a first-of-its-kind initiative, will significantly reduce the bureaucratic burden on couples by eliminating the need for frequent visits to government offices.

Protecting rights while respecting autonomy

"We are not advocating against live-in relationships, nor are we imposing stringent restrictions," clarified Singh, as reported by the Times of India (TOI). However, registration will be mandatory. While emphasizing the importance of transparency, Singh stated, "For couples between the ages of 18 and 21, their parents will be informed. The primary purpose is to ensure parents are aware of their children's relationships."

Focus on user-friendly technology

Singh reiterated the government's commitment to a user-friendly online system. "Our goal is to simplify the process for everyone by offering an online registration option," he said. TOI further reported that Singh emphasized the comprehensiveness and security measures being built into the online portal. "We are working concurrently on formulating the rules and conducting training sessions to meet the implementation deadline," he added.

How to register your live-in relationship?

New law in Uttarakhand requires registration of live-in partnerships (as of February 2024):

• Applies to everyone: Couples living together in Uttarakhand, even if they're not residents, need to register their relationship.
• Registration process:
  1. Declare your relationship: Submit a statement to your local registrar officially acknowledging you're living together.
  2. Verification: The registrar might ask for additional proof or meet with you both to confirm your situation.
  3. Approval or denial: The registrar will decide on the registration within 30 days.

UCC: Ensuring rights and parity

The UCC introduces regulations for live-in partnerships, mandating couples to register their status within a month of cohabitation. Although non-compliance may incur penalties, Singh reassured the public that the primary objective is not to restrict such relationships. "We want to ensure parents are aware of their children's relationships," he explained to TOI.

The UCC brings forth significant changes. Children born from live-in unions will be legally recognized, inheriting all rights accorded to children born in wedlock. Additionally, the UCC standardizes the minimum marriage age for girls at 18 across all religions, necessitates the registration of marriages and divorces within 60 days, and guarantees equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters.