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, 9th 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.