Source: The post Uttarakhand UCC restricts live-in relationships legally has been created, based on the article “The problem of regulating live-in relationships” published in “The Hindu” on 11th February 2025.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Indian Constitution
Context: The article discusses Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and its impact on live-in relationships. It highlights concerns about compulsory registration, lack of protection for same-sex couples, legal uncertainties in maintenance, violation of privacy, and increased state and parental control over personal relationships.
For detailed information on Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Debate- In wake of Uttarakhand UCC read this article here
What does the Uttarakhand UCC say about live-in relationships?
- Mandatory Registration: The UCC requires opposite-sex live-in relationships to be registered within one month. Failure to register can lead to criminal charges, fines, or imprisonment.
- Criminalization of Non-Registration: If a couple does not register their relationship, they can be punished with imprisonment and/or hefty fines.
- No Recognition for Same-Sex Couples: The law only applies to opposite-sex couples, leaving same-sex relationships unprotected.
- Police Involvement: Registered live-in relationships must be reported to the local police, treating them as a law-and-order issue.
- Parental Notification: If either partner is under 21 years, their parents/guardians are informed, which could lead to honour-based violence.
What are the problems with defining live-in relationships?
- The UCC defines a live-in relationship as a union “in the nature of marriage,” similar to the Domestic Violence Act, 2005. But many live-in relationships do not resemble marriages.
- The law requires couples to register within a month, but many such relationships do not have a clear start date. This may force casual or short-term relationships into legal registration.
How does the UCC affect privacy and sexual autonomy?
- The Supreme Court, in Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018), upheld an adult’s right to choose their partner.
- However, the UCC allows authorities to inform parents if one partner is below 21 years.
- This could lead to parental control over adult relationships. Many parents misuse legal provisions, such as false rape cases, to stop inter-caste and inter-religious relationships.
What is the overall impact of these provisions?
- The law increases state and parental control over personal choices. It makes live-in relationships harder to maintain.
- Instead of providing legal protection, it may expose couples to social and legal risks.
Question for practice:
Examine how the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC) impacts live-in relationships in terms of legal recognition, privacy, and individual autonomy.
