Uttarakhand set clear rules for marriage registration under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on Wednesday. The state aims to simplify legal procedures, safeguard individual rights, and promote social harmony through this Act.
The Uniform Civil Code applies to all residents of Uttarakhand, including those living outside the state. However, Scheduled Tribes and protected authority-empowered groups are exempt under constitutional provisions.
Marriage registration is now mandatory within 60 days of solemnisation. Rituals can follow religious customs or legal formats, but the registration process ensures uniformity. For marriages occurring between March 26, 2010, and the Act’s implementation, registration must be completed within six months.
Old marriages solemnised before March 26, 2010, or outside Uttarakhand, can also be registered voluntarily within six months if the couple meets all legal criteria. The Act ensures that non-registration does not invalidate a marriage.
Key conditions for marriage include no living spouse for either party, legal mental capacity, and minimum age requirements—21 for men and 18 for women. Couples must also not fall within prohibited relationships.
The government has introduced a transparent system to process and acknowledge applications promptly. Sub-registrars must decide on applications within 15 days. If no action is taken, the application moves automatically to the registrar or is deemed accepted.
A robust appeal process is available for rejected applications, and penalties apply for false information during registration. Citizens can complete the process either online or offline.
To oversee the UCC’s implementation, the state will appoint a registrar general, registration officers, and sub-registrars to maintain and monitor records effectively.
The Uniform Civil Code also standardises procedures for solemnising and recognising both new and old marriages. The Act reflects Uttarakhand’s commitment to legal clarity and social harmony.
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