Uttarakhand UCC restricts live-in relationships legally

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?

1. 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.
2. Criminalization of Non-Registration: If a couple does not register their relationship, they can be punished with imprisonment and/or hefty fines.
3. No Recognition for Same-Sex Couples: The law only applies to opposite-sex couples, leaving same-sex relationships unprotected.
4. Police Involvement: Registered live-in relationships must be reported to the local police, treating them as a law-and-order issue.
5. 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?

1. 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.
2. 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?

1. The Supreme Court, in Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018), upheld an adult’s right to choose their partner.
2. However, the UCC allows authorities to inform parents if one partner is below 21 years.
3. 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?

1. The law increases state and parental control over personal choices. It makes live-in relationships harder to maintain.
2. 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.