Dehradun: In Uttarakhand, the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has led to a rise in marriage registrations and also in live-in relationship registrations.
While unmarried couples are registering their live-in status, a surprising trend has emerged in Haridwar, where even married individuals are applying to register live-in relationships with other partners.
Five people applied for live-in registration in Haridwar
According to reports, 13 applications for live-in relationships were received at the Haridwar tehsil office, and five of them were from people who are already married. These applicants expressed their desire to live with a third partner while still being legally married. However, the administration has cancelled these applications, stating that they do not meet the legal standards set under the UCC.
UCC makes marriage and live-in registration mandatory
The UCC, recently enforced by the Uttarakhand government, makes it mandatory to register both marriages and live-in relationships. This move aims to bring transparency and legal clarity to personal relationships. While marriage registrations are happening smoothly across the state, live-in registrations are proving to be more complex.
40 applications have been submitted for live-in relationship registration
In the Haridwar district, a total of 40 applications have been submitted for live-in relationship registration. Out of these, 18 couples have successfully registered, while 22 applications were rejected due to incomplete documents or failure to meet the required conditions.
Live-in registration is for unmarried couples
Officials say that the registration process is meant for unmarried couples who are living together. Married individuals applying for live-in relationships with someone other than their spouse raises legal and ethical concerns. The administration is keeping a close watch on such cases and taking necessary action.
Many people are still unaware about rules and guidelines
The UCC has also brought attention to the need for public awareness about the rules and guidelines. Many people are still unaware of the exact requirements for live-in registration, leading to confusion and rejected applications.
Live-in registration is not a substitute for marriage
Authorities have clarified that live-in registration is not a substitute for marriage, and it cannot be used to bypass existing marital commitments. The law is designed to protect the rights of individuals in live-in relationships, especially in cases of separation, property disputes, or children’s rights.
As Uttarakhand becomes the first state to implement UCC, the response from the public shows both interest and misunderstanding. Officials are urging people to understand the rules properly before applying and are working to make the process smoother and more transparent.
