The recent implementation of the regressive Uniform Civil Code by the Uttarakhand government especially the rules almost criminalising live-in relationships is not only illegal but falls foul of Article 21 of the Constitution which guarantees an Indian citizen the 'right to life'. As per extant laws failure to register a live-in relationship will attract a jail term besides monetary penalties. UCC rules say that landlords must on pain of being fined gather proof from tenants that they are single. The Supreme Court in a judgement delivered in 2018 said, " Even if a man or woman are not competent to marry under personal law, they have the right to live together outside of marriage." In a judgement delivered in 2010 the apex court explicitly mentioned that live-in relationships fall within the ambit of right to life. Alarmingly the UCC also entails that the registration details be shared with the local police station, also any change in phone number, address or religion must be immediately updated.The UCC is just another attempt by the state to have a stranglehold on the private lives of citizens, it should be opposed and challenged in court by all right thinking individuals.
