NEW DELHI: The Uniform Civil Code passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly has become a law. The Uniform Civil Code Act came into force in Uttarakhand after President Draupadi Murmu approved it. The legislature had passed the Uniform Civil Code last month. Common law for marriage, divorce and property rights has been enacted in the state. All the government has to do now is issue a notification regarding the law.

The Uniform Civil Code was passed by a voice vote in the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on February 7 after two days of deliberations. The opposition had demanded that the draft of the bill be sent to a select committee, which the House had meanwhile passed.

Registration under this Act is mandatory for partners in a live-in relationship whether inside or outside the state. This also applies to non-residents of Uttarakhand. Children born out of this relationship will have all legal rights in Uttarakhand. Women may have legal rights if the man withdraws from the livin’ relationship. One can approach the court for this.

Failure to register partners is punishable with imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 25,000, or both. This punishment can be imposed even if there is false information or no testimony given.

One of the partners must be above 21 years of age. If you are a minor, you will not be able to register. Parents must be informed by the Registrar if they are under 21 years of age. However, the Act does not apply to tribal groups who have specific rituals.