Uttarakhand UCC

• 01 Mar 2025

Why in News? 

The Uttarakhand High Court observed that live-in relationships were increasing and that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aimed to accommodate the rights of women and children born from such relationships. 

 Key Points 

• Court’s Observations: 
  • The High Court made the observations while hearing petitions challenging provisions of the UCC. 
  • The State implemented the UCC on 26 January 2025, and mandated registration for live-in relationships. 
  • The court stated that live-in relationships were increasing and that the law aimed to protect the rights of women and children born from such relationships. 
• Privacy Concerns Raised in Court: 
  • It was argued that the UCC allowed excessive state surveillance and restricted individual choices protected under the right to privacy. 
  • The law was establishing a “draconian statutory regime” that authorizes inquiries, approvals, and penalties over personal relationships. 
  • It was stated that while society might not fully accept live-in relationships, the law aimed to adapt to changing times. 
• Potential for Harassment and Vigilantism: 
  • Social activists contended that a critical reading of the UCC suggested it could increase harassment and violence against couples who defy majoritarian views. 
  • It is warned that the law might encourage vigilantism by groups opposing live-in relationships. 
  • Concerns were also raised that the law permitted any person to file a complaint questioning the validity of a live-in relationship. 
  • The mandatory submission of confidential documents, such as Aadhaar, during the registration process was also objected to. 
• State Government’s Defense:  
  • The court questioned the Solicitor General on whether the Uttarakhand government had sought public suggestions before implementing the UCC and whether those suggestions were incorporated. 
  • It was argued that the UCC did not violate privacy rights and served only as a regulatory mechanism to protect women from injustice. The law resulted from extensive consultations with all stakeholders.