UCC registration rules for live-in couples may be eased

MONTHS after implementing the landmark Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Uttarakhand government has moved to refine its rules, filing an affidavit in the High Court that signals a softening of certain provisions related to live-in relationship registration.

- NARENDRA SETHI @ Dehradun

The 78-page affidavit, presented by Advocate General S.N. Babulkar, outlines proposed amendments aimed at making the registration process more flexible and clarifying data-sharing protocols with law enforcement. A key relief for applicants involves the appeal process. Currently, if a registrar rejects a statement concerning a live-in relationship, the timeline to challenge this decision is tight. The government now proposes extending the window for applicants to file an appeal from 30 days to 45 days from the date of receiving the rejection order.

While the appeal window expands, the grounds for outright rejection based on customs and traditions have been significantly tightened.