Under 21 live-in relations not matured enough, parents will be informed: Uttarakhand UCC panel

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Act has been drafted in Uttarakhand and a nine-member panel has been constituted to form the rules, procedures, and other matters related to its implementation. The UCC Act includes seven schedules and 392 sections, covering marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. It aims to end practices like polygamy, polyandry, halal, iddat, and talaq while ensuring property rights for both male and female children.

The standing out factor

One of the key features of the UCC Act is that it will ensure the privacy of couples opting for live-in relationships. However, parents of live-in couples aged 18 to 21 will be informed of their relationship. The panel believes that this is important as people in this age bracket are not always fully mature. Registration of live-in relationships will also provide security and protection to all couples.

Excluded from the Act

Uttarakhand's scheduled tribes (ST), including Jaunsari, Bhotiyas, Tharu, Raji, and Buksa, have been excluded from the UCC's scope as of now. They will have the option to consent to be governed by the UCC if they want to.

The UCC Act is expected to be introduced in October 2024. The drafting of the UCC Act involved extensive public consultations. The panel received input from over 2.3 lakh people and held 72 meetings to finalise the draft.