The state of Uttarakhand is all set to implement the ever-controversial Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, starting January 26th, 2025. The Uttarakhand UCC consists of significant provisions including marriages, divorces, live-in relationships, and testamentary succession.
The UCC will make it mandatory for live-in couples to register into a central portal using their Aadhar card. The couple may face fines or potential jail time if they fail to comply within time.
It also requires video recordings of witnesses in cases of testamentary succession to ensure transparency and swift tackling of any disputes that may arise in the future.
Naturally, the UCC, being the controversial law it is, has garnered highly polarized reactions on social media. The live-in aspect is especially being talked about, mostly due to its invasive nature, making it a mess as far as the privacy of consenting adults is concerned.
Comments from social media users have been mixed so far, highlighting both the positive and the negative aspects.
One user said, “This step will curb the misuse of live-in relationships as a loophole to avoid responsibilities. People should welcome such measures rather than cry over privacy.”
Another commented, “This is blatant state overreach! Adults in live-in relationships don’t need a babysitter. Mandatory registration? What’s next, government approval for who we date?”
Interestingly in 2023, the Supreme Court of India had dismissed a plea seeking the registration of live-in relationships, calling the idea ‘hair-brained’.
With the state government already establishing the machinery for its implementation, it will be interesting to see how well this law succeeds in its actual implementation post-Republic Day onwards.
