Uttarakhand Implements Controversial Uniform Civil Code with Mandatory Live-In Relationship Registration

The new UCC rules mandate registration of live-in relationships, impose penalties for non-compliance, and introduce sweeping changes to marriage, divorce, and inheritance laws.

• Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), requiring live-in couples to register their relationships with the government.
• Failure to register a live-in relationship can result in fines, jail terms of up to six months, or penalties for landlords who do not verify live-in certificates before renting properties.
• The UCC eliminates personal laws, ensuring equal rights for women in marriage, divorce, alimony, child support, and inheritance across all communities.
• Critics have raised concerns over privacy violations, vague definitions of live-in relationships, and potential misuse of the law by local authorities during enforcement.
• The new rules also require detailed documentation, including proof of past relationships and religious certificates, sparking debates on their practicality and constitutional validity.

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