The Uttarakhand government on Monday implemented an amendment ordinance to modify several provisions of the Uniform Civil Code, introducing nearly eighteen changes aimed at tightening rules related to marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, and inheritance. The amendments include strict penalties for force, coercion, fraud, and misrepresentation in personal relationships.
The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Amendment Ordinance 2026 came into effect immediately after it received the assent of Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh, retired. The state government said the ordinance was brought to address gaps and practical challenges in the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code 2024, which was enforced earlier.
Officials said the amendments are intended to make the law clearer, more effective, and easier to implement while improving administrative efficiency and strengthening the protection of citizens’ rights.
One of the key changes makes misrepresentation of identity at the time of marriage a valid ground for annulment. The ordinance also introduces stringent penal provisions against force, coercion, fraud, and other unlawful acts in marriages as well as live in relationships.
The amended law provides for the issuance of a termination certificate by the registrar when a live in relationship ends. It also replaces the term widow with spouse to make the language more gender neutral.
Under the new provisions, the registrar general has been given the authority to cancel registrations related to marriage, divorce, live in relationships, and inheritance if irregularities are found.
The ordinance also replaces older criminal laws with the Indian Civil Security Code 2023 and the Indian Penal Code 2023 for all penal provisions under the UCC.
Another important change ensures that if a sub registrar fails to take action within the prescribed time, the case will be automatically forwarded to the registrar and registrar general. The ordinance also allows appeals against penalties imposed on sub registrars and provides for recovery of such penalties as land revenue.
Uttarakhand remains the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code. The UCC was enforced in the state on January 27, 2025.
