Dehradun, February 5, 2025 — In a major step toward regulating personal relationships under the upcoming Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Uttarakhand government has introduced provisions that require live-in couples to register their relationship officially. Failure to comply may lead to strict legal consequences.
According to the proposed guidelines, couples who do not register their live-in relationship or provide false information during the process may face a fine of up to ₹25,000. In more serious cases, offenders may also face imprisonment of up to three months.
The move is part of the larger framework under the UCC, which aims to bring uniformity to civil laws in the state, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. Officials say the registration process will ensure transparency, legal recognition, and better protection for individuals—particularly women—in live-in relationships.
Legal experts believe the step will help prevent exploitation in unregistered relationships and give both partners a form of legal security. It also aligns with the state’s efforts to document and regulate various civil arrangements more systematically.
The government is expected to soon roll out a digital portal and physical counters where couples can register their relationship by submitting identification documents and a joint declaration. The provision is also expected to include exceptions for those facing genuine difficulties, with a verification system in place to check for false claims.
While the decision has sparked discussions on privacy and personal freedom, government officials insist that the move is meant to safeguard rights, not to intrude upon personal lives.
The regulation is part of a wider legislative reform, and further clarifications or updates are expected as the UCC is officially implemented in the state.
