Mon Jan 27 17:57:30 IST 2025: ## Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code Mandates Live-in Relationship Registration
**Dehradun, India –** Uttarakhand’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, 2025, has introduced mandatory registration for all heterosexual live-in couples within the state, regardless of residency. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the registrar will notify the parents of the registered couple, maintaining the information’s confidentiality.
The new law stipulates that failure to register within the stipulated timeframe carries penalties. A three-month jail term or fine is imposed for non-registration, while a delay of even one month or providing false information results in a six-month jail term and a ₹25,000 fine. Crucially, children born from these relationships will be granted equal property rights.
The UCC, which aims to standardize personal laws across the state, was enacted after a year-long process involving an expert committee headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai. The committee, formed in May 2022, consulted widely before submitting its draft in February 2024. The state assembly passed the legislation in early February, receiving presidential assent a month later. The law covers marriage, relationships, divorce, succession, and inheritance. This move marks a significant step in Uttarakhand’s implementation of a unified civil code, setting a precedent and sparking national debate.
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