Uttarakhand has introduced a set of detailed rules for registering live-in relationships under its Uniform Civil Code (UCC), passed by the state Assembly in February 2024. The new system requires couples to register both when they enter and terminate a live-in arrangement. Failure to comply with this rule could lead to a jail term of up to six months, affecting residents of Uttarakhand as well as those living outside the state, The Indian Express reported.
Effective from January 2, 2025, the registration process involves filling out a 16-page form, either offline or online, along with several supporting documents. Among the requirements are Aadhaar-linked OTPs, a registration fee, and a certificate from a religious leader affirming the couple’s eligibility for marriage if they wish to formalize their relationship. Additionally, the couple must provide details of any previous relationships, including divorce or annulment decrees or certificates of terminated live-in relationships.
The registration process also requires couples to submit proof that their relationship is permissible under marriage laws, which may involve certification from religious leaders or community heads. The new rules have sparked concerns about the potential barriers they create for interfaith and inter-caste relationships, raising questions about the intersection of secular law and religious approval.
Key rules for Live-In registration in Uttarakhand under UCC:
- 16-page form (Form 3) required for registration.
- Aadhaar-linked OTP and registration fee.
- Certificate from a religious leader confirming eligibility for marriage.
- Proof of prior relationships (e.g., divorce, annulment).
- Proof of eligibility for marriage if the couple is within prohibited relationship degrees.
- Registrar has the authority to notify individuals to register their relationship.
- Registration mandatory for landlords; certificates must be presented.