Mandatory Registration of Live-in Relationships under Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
The Uttarakhand High Court is addressing a plea concerning the requirement for mandatory registration of live-in relationships as per the state's new Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The case highlights issues of privacy and societal acceptance faced by interfaith and intercaste couples.
Court's Inquiry on Privacy Concerns
- The division bench questioned how the registration could be deemed an invasion of privacy.
- The court opined that couples living openly without marriage do not seem to preserve their privacy to begin with.
Petitioner's Arguments
- Advocate represented the petitioners, an interfaith couple, expressing distress over the mandatory registration provision.
- Argued that the provision could lead to social gossip and institutionalize surveillance on private matters.
- Highlighted challenges faced by interfaith and intercaste couples in India, referencing a case of violence against such a couple.
Court's Response to Registration and Society
- The Chief Justice remarked on the openness of couples living together without marriage, questioning the need for secrecy.
- The inquiry emphasized whether the state had ever prevented couples from cohabitating openly.
Next Steps
- The court has scheduled the next hearing for April 1 to further deliberate on the matter.
