UCC in Uttarakhand

• 21 Oct 2024

Why in News?

The proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, expected to be enacted on the state's foundation day, 9^th November, will introduce several new legal requirements and penalties concerning marriage and live-in relationships.

Key Points

• The proposed UCC aims to modernise legal practices in Uttarakhand, addressing issues related to marriage registration, inheritance, and legal procedures while also simplifying processes through the use of technology.
• Key Aspects of the Proposed Law Include the Following:
  • Marriage and Live-in Relationship Registration:
    • It will be mandatory for married couples to register their marriages within six months of the UCC's implementation.
    • Couples in live-in relationships must register their relationship within one month of the notification.
    • Failure to comply with these requirements will result in penalties. Couples who do not register their marriages within the stipulated time will be ineligible for government welfare schemes.
    • Those who have already registered their marriage in other states must update their records in Uttarakhand.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance:
  • If couples fail to register their live-in relationship within one month, they could face imprisonment of up to three months, a fine of up to Rs 10,000, or both.
  • Providing false information will result in penalties of up to three months in jail, a fine of Rs 25,000, or both.
  • Complete failure to register a marriage or live-in relationship may lead to a jail term of up to six months, a fine of Rs 25,000, or both.
  • Landlords who rent properties to unregistered couples and deliberately conceal information may also face legal action.
• Provisions for Children and Maintenance:
  • Under the UCC, any child born out of a live-in relationship will be considered legitimate.
  • In cases of desertion, the woman will be entitled to claim maintenance from her partner.
  • Although the UCC ensures confidentiality for live-in couples, it requires that parents of individuals aged 18 to 21 be informed about their live-in relationship.
• Property Rights and Inheritance:
  • The UCC proposes changes to inheritance laws to address concerns raised by elderly parents, who often find themselves alone in villages after their children migrate to cities.
  • The law suggests that the deceased's movable and immovable property be divided into four parts, with shares allocated to the wife, children, and parents, treating each as a separate unit.
  • Thousands of suggestions regarding inheritance were considered, including issues where elderly parents were left without support after the death of their son.
• Simplifying Legal Procedures:
  • A new mobile app will facilitate the registration process for marriages and live-in relationships. The app will allow couples to register without needing to visit government offices.
  • Additionally, the app will simplify the process of drafting and updating a will, making it possible for individuals to make changes to their will at any time.