DEHRADUN: The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), expected to be implemented on November 9, the state foundation day, this year, includes provisions that make it mandatory for couples to register their marriages within a six-month time span. A month’s time has been given to live-in couples to register themselves from the time the law comes into existence in the Himalayan state.
A source, on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to TOI, “It would be mandatory for couples to get their live-in relationship registered within one month of notification, or they would face punishment as per the provisions. Besides, the proposed law also suggests the role of landlords and house owners who are renting their property to such couples. If they deliberately hide facts, action may be initiated against them too.”
The UCC also suggests action against those who either delay the registration, provide false information, or do not register their live-in relationship.
The law mentions, “Whoever stays in a live-in relationship for more than one month from the date of entering into such a relationship without submitting the statement of such relationship shall be punished on conviction by a Judicial Magistrate with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with a fine not exceeding Rs 10,000 or with both.”
Similarly, false information can draw imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with a fine not exceeding Rs 25,000, or with both. In instances where a couple fails to provide information, there is a provision of a jail term which may extend to six months or with a fine not exceeding Rs 25,000, or with both.
Any child of a live-in relationship shall be a legitimate child of the couple, and in case a woman is deserted, she can seek maintenance. While the secrecy of live-in couples would be maintained, authorities would inform the parents of such couples who are in the age bracket of 18 to 21 years.
Similarly, couples not registering their marriage within six months of the UCC notification would not be eligible for the benefits of govt schemes. Even those who have already registered their marriages in other states would be required to update their record in Uttarakhand too. “It is a simple process which can be easily done through the mobile app developed by the authorities. One will not have to take circles of govt offices to get themselves registered,” he added.
Besides, the report submitted to the CM suggests that parents would also get a share in the movable and immovable property of their children in case of death.
“The panel received thousands of suggestions, in which elderly people claimed that after the death of their son, the entire property went to their daughter-in-law, and they were left alone in villages. The problem is profound in Uttarakhand as youngsters of the hills migrate to cities and other states in search of jobs. Thousands of such parents raised this issue before the panel. Now the panel has suggested property rights to parents as well in such cases,” the source said, adding, “In case of the death of an earning son, his wife, two children, and parents would be regarded as different units. Therefore, the movable and immovable assets would be divided into four parts. The move has been initiated under the UCC to ensure that the parents are not left ignored.”
The will-making process has been made simple and easier through a mobile app. “The process has been made so simple that a person can make changes easily at any time while using the mobile app. However, all these matters are being scrutinised by the state legal department, and they can make the required changes,” he added.
The panel, headed by Shatrughan Singh, already handed over its report to CM Pushkar Singh Dhami on October 18, and it has been forwarded to the legal department for scrutiny. The next step would be the training of govt officials and employees, and following the cabinet approval, the law would be notified in the state. The UCC Bill was tabled in the state assembly on February 6 and passed on February 7. Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd) gave his nod on February 28, and President Droupadi Murmu gave her approval on March 11.
Key points:
1. All marriages need to be registered within six month of UCC notification
2. Live-in relationships to be registered within one month
3. Responsibility on house owners, landlords also to inform authorities about tenants in live-in relationship
4. In case of death of earning child, parents also to get share in property
5. Will making process made simple, UCC panel says making changes in will easily possible