DEHRADUN: The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is expected to be implemented in Uttarakhand by the end of this year, with an online registration facility for live-in couples and marriages in the process of being introduced. Notably, this is the first time that the govt has disclosed that the registration of live-ins would be possible online. The issue of couples having to register, and face scrutiny by the govt under UCC provisions for live-ins, had been a significant talking points among the youth ahead of the Lok Sabha polls this year.
A nine-member panel led by former chief secretary Shatrughan Singh has been working on drafting the necessary rules, which are anticipated to be completed by end of June.Officials said they’re planning to implement the Act’s provisions by late 2024.
Singh told TOI, “We want to make it easier for people to complete formalities via the online mode. However, this process is complex as govt staff need formal training. We plan to frame rules and conduct training sessions simultaneously to meet the deadline.” He added that training for govt employees, especially those in the sub-registrar office, would be conducted both in online and offline mode, including at the village-level.
Singh highlighted that the online facility would benefit both couples and govt staff by reducing the need for multiple visits to the registrar’s office. He added that despite the additional time required, the plan would be “comprehensive and foolproof.”
“We are not against live-in relationships or imposing any restrictions. Registration is mandatory, and for couples aged 18 to 21, their parents will be informed.” He pointed out that the intent is to “ensure parents are aware of their children’s relationships.”
UCC has strict regulations regarding the registration of live-in relationships. Couples must register their live-in status within one month, facing either a three-month jail term or a fine of up to Rs 10,000 if they fail to comply. If registration doesn’t happen beyond three months, the couple faces a maximum of six months in jail, a fine of Rs 25,000, or both.
Crucially, children born from live-in unions will be legally recognised as the legitimate offspring of the couple, entitled to all rights as children born within a marriage.
Other notable provisions include a uniform marriageable age for girls (set at 18 years across all faiths), compulsory registration of marriages and divorces within 60 days, and equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters. If someone neglects to adhere to the marriage or divorce registration process, the sub-registrar can impose a fine of up to Rs 10,000.
A nine-member panel led by former chief secretary Shatrughan Singh has been working on drafting the necessary rules, which are anticipated to be completed by end of June.Officials said they’re planning to implement the Act’s provisions by late 2024.
Singh told TOI, “We want to make it easier for people to complete formalities via the online mode. However, this process is complex as govt staff need formal training. We plan to frame rules and conduct training sessions simultaneously to meet the deadline.” He added that training for govt employees, especially those in the sub-registrar office, would be conducted both in online and offline mode, including at the village-level.
Singh highlighted that the online facility would benefit both couples and govt staff by reducing the need for multiple visits to the registrar’s office. He added that despite the additional time required, the plan would be “comprehensive and foolproof.”
“We are not against live-in relationships or imposing any restrictions. Registration is mandatory, and for couples aged 18 to 21, their parents will be informed.” He pointed out that the intent is to “ensure parents are aware of their children’s relationships.”
UCC has strict regulations regarding the registration of live-in relationships. Couples must register their live-in status within one month, facing either a three-month jail term or a fine of up to Rs 10,000 if they fail to comply. If registration doesn’t happen beyond three months, the couple faces a maximum of six months in jail, a fine of Rs 25,000, or both.
Crucially, children born from live-in unions will be legally recognised as the legitimate offspring of the couple, entitled to all rights as children born within a marriage.
Other notable provisions include a uniform marriageable age for girls (set at 18 years across all faiths), compulsory registration of marriages and divorces within 60 days, and equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters. If someone neglects to adhere to the marriage or divorce registration process, the sub-registrar can impose a fine of up to Rs 10,000.
Source Agencies
