Uttarakhand’s new Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was implemented last month, mandating online registration for personal legal matters such as marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships. In its first 10 days, only one live-in relationship was registered—with four additional applications currently in process—raising questions about the law’s early adoption.
Those, criticizing the move argue that the mandatory online registration could violate privacy rights. The concern has been further emboldened by recent claims from Bajrang Dal leaders, who allege they are monitoring interfaith couples.
“We have come across a case in Haridwar involving a couple from different religions and are constantly on the lookout for dangerous cases,” said Bajrang Dal leader Vikas Verma, according to the Indian Express.
Officials, however, maintain that the system safeguards personal information. Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli emphasized that all applicant details are encrypted and remain inaccessible to external agencies, with only the number of applications and registrations visible to state officials, while individual details are securely held by the concerned registrars.
The UCC seeks to establish uniform personal laws for all citizens—irrespective of religion, gender, or caste—covering key areas such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession.
Starting next week, citizens will be able to register these events and their terminations using an online portal accessible via mobile phones, with updates and complaint mechanisms available through email and SMS.
