In a significant move towards greater “flexibility,” the Uttarakhand government is amending its rules concerning live-in relationships. The government has submitted a comprehensive 78-page affidavit to the high court, detailing proposed changes to provisions under the state’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
These amendments, presented to a division bench by Advocate General SN Babulkar, aim to refine the registration and termination processes for cohabiting couples. Key changes focus on clarifying data sharing with local police for record-keeping purposes and allowing more flexibility with identification documents, particularly when Aadhaar cards might not be readily available.
Key Changes to Live-in Relationship Rules:
- Simplified Registration: The government is improving the overall registration process for live-in relationships.
- Data Sharing Clarification: The scope of information shared between registrars and local police will be limited to essential “record-keeping purposes.”
- Flexible Identification: While Aadhaar remains a primary ID, alternative documents will be accepted for registration and declaration processes, offering more convenience to applicants.
- Extended Appeal Period: The time frame for challenging a registrar’s decision to reject a cohabitation declaration is being extended from 30 days to 45 days.
Uttarakhand made history by becoming the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code earlier this year. The UCC, championed by Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami’s government, aims to establish common regulations for marriage, inheritance, maintenance, and other civil matters across all religious communities. Under these rules, live-in relationships must be registered, and parents will be notified. Importantly, the state has also affirmed that children born from live-in relationships will be granted equal property rights.