Live-in Relationships Under Scrutiny in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand High Court is examining petitions challenging the mandatory registration of live-in relationships in the state’s Uniform Civil Code. Petitioners argue this requirement violates privacy rights. The division bench, combining similar cases, plans to hear these concerns further on April 1.

The Uttarakhand High Court is presently evaluating a legal challenge against the mandatory registration of live-in relationships required by the state’s recently implemented Uniform Civil Code. A couple from Maharashtra and Ranikhet has filed a petition, arguing that this provision contravenes constitutional rights.

During the hearing, it was contended by the petitioners, represented by senior Supreme Court advocate Raju Ramachandran, that the registration form encroaches upon individual privacy, a violation not even extended to marriage registrations. The petitioners point to biases in the registration requirements, questioning the state’s authority to demand such personal information.

Representatives of the Central and state governments, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, addressed the court via video conference. The division bench, having already requested replies from the governments on related petitions, will revisit the case on April 1.