
Live-in Relationship Rules: Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which mandates the registration of live-in relationships. The new rules are extensive, with stringent requirements designed to regulate live-in partnerships more effectively. Among the several requirements, couples must submit 15 documents, including proof of residency, a non-objection certificate (NOC) from a priest, and details of any previous relationships.
What Are the Live-in Relationship Rules?
Under the newly implemented UCC, live-in couples in Uttarakhand must register their relationship with the district registrar. This process can be completed either online or offline. A detailed, 16-page registration form must be filled out, requiring personal details of both partners, such as their names, addresses, and Aadhaar information.
Key documents needed for registration include:
Proof of Residency: Couples must provide documentation to confirm where they live.
Age Proof: Both individuals must submit documents to verify their age.
Relationship History: If one partner is previously married or in a relationship, documents related to divorce or the dissolution of the previous relationship must be submitted.
Aadhar Registration: For online registration, the Aadhaar card is mandatory.
Proof of Status for Widows/Widowers: Those who have lost a spouse must submit the death certificate of the deceased partner.
If either partner is under the age of 21, the parents of the younger individual will be notified about the registration. This ensures the protection of minors involved in live-in relationships.
Additional Regulations: Landlords and Fines
An interesting aspect of the UCC is the rule governing landlords. According to the regulations, landlords are required to verify their tenants’ live-in relationship registration before entering into a rent agreement. If they fail to do so, they face a hefty fine of up to ₹20,000. This step aims to ensure that live-in relationships are officially recognized and documented.
Landlords must request a copy of the live-in relationship certificate or provisional certificate and keep it as part of the rent agreement. This is a unique provision that sets Uttarakhand’s UCC apart from similar laws in other parts of India.
Prohibited Relationships and Religious Certainty
The UCC also includes a list of around 74 prohibited relationships. For instance, couples cannot enter into live-in relationships with close blood relatives such as parents, siblings, or grandparents. Additionally, any live-in relationship falling under these prohibited categories requires a certificate issued by a religious leader or community head.
The relationship’s legitimacy can be challenged by religious leaders, and they must also provide their contact details for verification.
Documentation for Children in Live-in Relationships
Couples with children or adopted children need to submit a birth certificate or adoption certificate. This ensures that any offspring born in or adopted into the relationship are legally recognized. This provision is in line with the law’s attempt to provide stability and legal rights for children born in live-in relationships, similar to those born in marriages.
Fees and Additional Charges
The registration fee for live-in relationships is set at ₹500. However, couples who fail to register within one month of entering the relationship will have to pay an additional ₹1,000 as a penalty. Furthermore, if the live-in relationship is terminated, the dissolution must also be registered with a ₹500 charge.
Benefits of Registration
The benefits of registering a live-in relationship under the new UCC are substantial. If a woman is deserted by her partner, she can seek maintenance under the same laws that govern married couples. This includes the right to financial support and protection from exploitation.
Additionally, children born from a live-in relationship are recognized as legitimate, which helps to provide legal protections similar to those afforded to children born in marriages.
What Happens If Registration is Denied?
The registrar has 30 days to approve or deny the registration. If the application is rejected, the couple has the right to appeal the decision. This appeals process ensures that couples have a legal pathway if their registration request is denied.
Kharge Looses Cool In Rajya Sabha, Lashes Out At BJP MP
Conclusion: A Step Toward Legal Recognition
Uttarakhand’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code marks a significant step forward in recognizing and regulating live-in relationships. The detailed rules, including the submission of 15 documents and penalties for non-compliance, aim to create a legal framework that offers protection and recognition to couples who choose to live together outside of marriage.
While the rules may seem rigorous, they are designed to provide legal certainty, ensure that children in live-in relationships are recognized, and offer women protection under the law. With the UCC now in effect, Uttarakhand sets a precedent for how live-in relationships could be regulated across the country in the future.
By mandating clear registration processes and documentation, the state hopes to safeguard the rights of individuals in live-in relationships, ensuring that they are treated with the same respect and legal recognition as married couples.
Discover more from Aakasavani News & Entertainment
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.