Nine days after Uttarakhand implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, the first live-in couple has registered under the new law. Meanwhile, two other applications are currently under review, according to the state’s official website.
Confirming the development, Dehradun’s nodal officer for UCC, Abhinav Shah, said, “Applications have been submitted and will be reviewed by the registrars. There are set guidelines for the duties of sub-registrars and registrars, and actions must be taken within the stipulated time frame.”
Two of the live-in registration applications reportedly originate from Dehradun, the state capital. A police source revealed after initial scrutiny by the registrar, a police team would verify documents in the same procedure like passport verification.
Compulsory Live-In Registration Under UCC
Under the new UCC, couples who are already in a live-in relationship must register within a month of the law coming into effect. Otherwise, non-registration will attract penalties, including up to six months of imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹25,000, or both. Furthermore, a delay beyond the stipulated period will result in an additional fee of ₹1,000.
The law requires sub-registrars to scrutinize all documents within 15 days-three days in cases of urgency-and the registrars to dispose of appeals against the decisions of the sub-registrars within 60 days. Any violation of live-in or marriage registration laws must be reported to the police. If the registrars fail to act within the deadline, the case automatically goes to the registrar general, who must dispose of it within 60 days.
Legal Experts Cite Misinformation and Intrusive Process
According to experts, despite UCC, very few live-in registrations are occurring because of the “lack of awareness and an intrusive process.” According to a legal expert, “There is misinformation and several grey areas. Without clarification from the government, people remain hesitant, which is why no one is voluntarily coming forward.”
As of Tuesday evening, the UCC website recorded 359 marriage registrations and two will registrations, further highlighting the slow uptake of live-in relationship registrations.
