In a landmark shift, Uttarakhand is poised to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) this month, a move that is likely to redefine personal law in the state across all demographics. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami is expected to officially announce the implementation at Dehradun’s Parade Ground on January 26. The new code will replace various community-specific laws with a uniform set of rules applicable to everyone regardless of their religion or caste.
Among the significant changes will be those affecting individuals in live-in relationships. As part of the UCC’s rollout, the state is preparing by training approximately 2,000 employees and has launched three state-level assistance centers to facilitate the transition. These include a Technological Development Agency for technical support, a Common Service Center for training, and a Prosecution Department for legal aid.
New Regulations for Live-in Relationships
Under the UCC, live-in relationships will undergo a formalization process similar to marriage registration. This includes mandatory registration on a dedicated portal, where couples will need to provide video recordings of witnesses, photographs, Aadhaar details, and other personal information such as names, ages, nationalities, religions, previous relationship statuses, and contact numbers.
This checklist, akin to marriage registration, aims to reduce legal disputes arising from such relationships and ensure the rights of children born from live-in partnerships are protected under the law. These measures will provide children with legal recognition and protection.
A Uniform Law for All
Once the UCC is enacted, it will abolish the varied personal laws currently in place for different communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and others, establishing a single legal framework for all. This unified law is expected to ensure equality and protection for women and children, respecting their rights and providing equal access to property and family rights.
The introduction of the UCC in Uttarakhand marks a pivotal step towards legal uniformity and aims to address long-standing issues of inequality and legal complexities within the state.
