Source: Indian Express 

Introduction 

The Uttarakhand government has implemented new rules under its Uniform Civil Code (UCC) that mandate the registration of live-in relationships. The comprehensive framework, rolled out on 27th January 2025, requires couples to complete extensive documentation, including a 16-page form and religious certification, while establishing penalties for non-compliance. This marks a notable shift in how the state approaches non-marital cohabitation. 

What are the Legal and Structural Requirements of a Live-In Relationship Under the UCC? 

• Definition and Basic Structure:  
  • A live-in relationship is specifically defined as a domestic arrangement between a man and woman who share a household in a marriage-like relationship.  
  • This cohabitation must occur in a shared physical space, whether rented or owned, establishing a clear domestic partnership arrangement. 
• Relationship Recognition Parameters:  
  • The UCC exclusively recognizes heterosexual relationships, limiting recognition to male-female partnerships.  
  • The relationship must mirror marriage-like commitment, though without formal marriage registration. Both partners must maintain a single shared residence that serves as their primary dwelling. 
• Legal Status Requirements:  
  • Partners must be legally single - this means neither person can be married or involved in another live-in relationship.  
  • The UCC strictly enforces monogamous arrangements to prevent concurrent relationships.  
  • Previous relationships must be legally terminated before entering a new live-in arrangement. 
• Prohibited Relationships:  
  • The UCC identifies 74 specific relationship types that are prohibited, including first cousins.  
  • This mirrors marriage restrictions and aims to prevent relationships within close family connections.  
  • These prohibitions apply regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds. 
• Consent and Authenticity:  
  • Valid consent is crucial - both partners must freely agree to the relationship without any form of coercion, pressure, or manipulation.  
  • The consent must be based on honest representation of facts, including personal identity, background, and circumstances.  
  • Any misrepresentation invalidates the relationship's legal status. 
• Age and Guardian Notification:  
  • While adults of any age can enter these relationships, special provisions apply for those under 21.  
  • If either partner is younger than 21, their parents or legal guardians must be informed of the relationship by the registrar, ensuring family awareness and potential support. 
• Registration Timeline and Process:  
  • Couples must complete registration within 30 days of beginning cohabitation. 
  • This involves submitting necessary documentation, completing forms, and obtaining required certifications.  
  • The registration process includes verification of all submitted information. 
• Marriage Eligibility Proof:  
  • Partners must demonstrate they would be legally eligible to marry if they chose to do so.  
  • This requires documentation from religious authorities confirming no religious or customary barriers to potential marriage exist, essentially proving the relationship could be formalized through marriage if desired. 
• Verification and Approval:  
  • The relationship must undergo thorough verification by a registrar, who reviews all documentation and may conduct additional inquiries.  
  • Final approval comes only after satisfactory verification of all requirements, including personal details, living arrangements, and eligibility criteria. 

What are the Mandatory Registration Requirements and Legal Obligations for Live-In Relationships Under the UCC?  

• Mandatory Registration Statement:  
  • The UCC mandates that all couples must formally submit a "statement of live-in relationship" within 30 days of beginning cohabitation - this applies to both Uttarakhand residents living in the state and those living elsewhere in India, making registration a universal requirement for state residents. 
• Registration Process Options:  
  • Couples can choose between two registration methods: online registration requiring Aadhaar verification with OTP sent to linked mobile numbers, or offline registration through the local registrar of their jurisdiction where they maintain their shared household. 
• Verification Timeline: 
  • The registrar has a specific 30-day window to verify all submitted documentation, conduct necessary inquiries, and either approve or reject the registration application - if rejected, couples have 30 days to file an appeal against the decision. 
• Law Enforcement Integration:  
  • All registration information is automatically forwarded to local police stations in the jurisdiction where the couple resides, creating an official record and enabling law enforcement to maintain oversight of registered relationships within their area. 
• Relationship Status Updates:  
  • Partners are legally required to submit formal statements regarding any changes in their relationship status, particularly when terminating the relationship, ensuring the records remain current and accurate. 
• Death Notification Requirements:  
  • In the event of a partner's death during the relationship, the surviving partner must update this information with the registrar within 30 days of receiving the death certificate, maintaining accurate records of relationship status. 
• Penalty Framework:  
  • Non-compliance with registration requirements carries serious consequences: initial failure to register can result in three months imprisonment and/or Rs 10,000 fine, while ignoring registration notices can lead to six months imprisonment and/or Rs 25,000 fine. 
• Record Maintenance:  
  • The system maintains comprehensive records of all live-in relationships, including their formation, any changes, termination, and relevant documentation, creating a formal database of such relationships within the state. 

What are the Documentation and Verification Requirements for Live-In Relationship Registration Under the UCC? 

• Identity & Age Proof:  
  • You must provide valid government IDs and age proof documents for both partners - this includes Aadhaar cards (mandatory for online registration), along with additional ID like passport, driver's license, or voter ID; if either partner is under 21, the registrar will notify their parents/guardians. 
• Residence Documentation:  
  • For Uttarakhand residents, you need a domicile certificate or government employment proof; non-residents must show at least one year of residence through utility bills, rent agreements with tenant verification, or passport extracts showing Uttarakhand address. 
• Religious Certification:  
  • A formal certificate from a religious leader or community head is required, confirming that the couple is not within prohibited relationships (like first cousins) and would be eligible to marry under their customs - this must include the religious official's complete contact details. 
• Previous Relationship Status:  
  • You must submit documentation about any previous marriages or live-in relationships, including divorce decrees, death certificates of former spouses, or certificates showing termination of previous live-in relationships. 
• Rental Property Verification: 
  •  If living in rented accommodation, you need a current rental agreement, tenant verification certificate, and the landlord must be interviewed by the registrar before approval - landlords are required to verify registration certificates before renting to unmarried couples. 
• Comprehensive Registration Form: 
  • The mandatory 16-page registration form must be completed with all personal details, relationship declarations, shared household information, and emergency contact information. 
• Cohabitation Statements:  
  • Partners must provide formal statements declaring their voluntary entry into the relationship, confirmation of shared household arrangements, and an undertaking that there is no forced consent or misrepresentation involved. 
• Emergency & Contact Details: 
  • Complete documentation of emergency contact information for both partners, current address proof, and contact details must be provided to ensure the authorities can reach the couple if needed. 

What are the Legal and Social Consequences of Failing to Register a Live-In Relationship Under the UCC? 

• Primary Penalty for Non-Registration:  
  • If a couple fails to register their live-in relationship within the mandatory 30-day period, they can face criminal charges resulting in up to three months imprisonment, a fine of up to Rs 10,000, or both penalties may be imposed simultaneously based on the magistrate's decision. 
• Escalated Penalties for Notice Non-Compliance:  
  • When couples ignore the Registrar's notice to register, they face more severe penalties - up to six months in jail, a higher fine of up to Rs 25,000, or both, showing the government's serious stance on enforcement. 
• Landlord-Related Consequences: 
  • Landlords are legally required to verify registration certificates before renting to unmarried couples - failure to register can result in housing difficulties as landlords may deny tenancy, effectively limiting housing options for unregistered couples. 
• Legal Rights Limitations:  
  • Unregistered couples may face challenges in claiming legal protections and benefits, particularly regarding maintenance rights for women and property rights for children born from the relationship, as registration is crucial for establishing these legal safeguards. 
• False Complaint Handling: 
  • For those filing false complaints about unregistered couples, there's a graduated penalty system - first offense receives a warning, second offense incurs a fine, and subsequent false complaints face progressively heavier financial penalties. 
• Police Verification Issues:  
  • Since registration information is shared with local police stations, unregistered couples might face additional scrutiny during routine police verifications or when dealing with law enforcement matters. 
• Social and Administrative Barriers:  
  • Non-registration can create obstacles in accessing various administrative services, dealing with authorities, and maintaining social legitimacy, as the UCC framework integrates registration status into multiple aspects of civil life. 
• Impact on Future Legal Proceedings:  
  • Lack of registration could potentially complicate any future legal proceedings related to the relationship, including matters of separation, maintenance claims, or property disputes, as it may be harder to establish the relationship's legitimacy. 

Conclusion 

The Uttarakhand UCC's regulation of live-in relationships represents a complex intersection of personal freedom and state oversight. While the law aims to prevent domestic crimes and protect partners' rights through mandatory registration and maintenance provisions, it also raises concerns about individual privacy and autonomy. As this pioneering legislation takes effect, its implementation and impact on couples' lives will be closely watched by other states considering similar measures.