The new Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand mandates the submission of a comprehensive list of 15 documents, an NOC from a priest, a registration fee of Rs 500, and information about past relationships as part of the numerous rules needed for registering live-in relationships.
The state, recognized as the first to adopt a civil code, requires live-in partners to register with the district registrar or face a prison sentence of up to six months.
Part 3 of the recently introduced UCC portal, ucc.uk.gov.in, addresses live-in partnerships. Registration can be done online or offline, and a 16-page form must be completed and submitted.
Individuals choosing online must register using their Aadhaar. Cohabiting partners must show evidence of residence along with their age. If either partner is under 21 years of age, their parents will be notified.
LANDLORDS MAY INCUR PENALTIES UPTO RS 20,000
The regulations also require landlords to confirm the registration certificates of their tenants prior to finalizing lease agreements. Neglecting to comply will lead to landlords facing penalties of as much as Rs 20,000.
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Couples living together must also provide evidence of their prior relationship status. Divorcees must present a final divorce decree and evidence of marriage dissolution. A final decree of marriage nullity must be submitted if their marriage has been annulled.
If a person who is a widow or widower enters into a live-in relationship, they must provide the death certificate of their spouse. A death certificate must also be provided to the registrar if the person’s former live-in partner has died.
PROHIBITED RELATIONSHIPS
Additionally, a detailed list of approximately 74 banned relationships exists under the uniform civil code. People are not permitted to enter into live-in arrangements with their mother, father, grandmother, daughter, son, son’s spouse, daughter’s son’s spouse, sister, sister’s child, brother’s child, maternal aunt, paternal aunt, and so on.
If it comes under the scope of forbidden relationships, the regulations necessitate a certificate from a community leader or religious authority. The document asks for the complete name, address, and cellphone number of the religious leader verifying the relationship.
Additionally, if the cohabiting couples have a child or have adopted one, they must provide a birth certificate or an adoption certificate.
To register, cohabiting couples must pay Rs 500. If they do not register within a month of starting a live-in relationship, an extra Rs 1,000 will be imposed. Ending such relationships must also be recorded for a fee of Rs 500.
