Uttarakhand UCC Amendment Imposes Seven-Year Penalty for Bigamy in Live-In Arrangements

The Uttarakhand government has enacted a significant amendment to its Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Ordinance, introducing severe penalties for violations of marriage and live-in relationship regulations. The revised legislation specifically criminalizes entering into a live-in relationship while already engaged in one, with offenders facing imprisonment of up to seven years. This amendment represents a substantial escalation in enforcement measures, aligning with recently implemented national criminal law reforms. The ordinance's stated objectives include clarifying existing provisions, enhancing operational effectiveness, and reinforcing citizen protections through stricter punitive clauses. Legal analysts note this development underscores a broader trend toward formalizing relationship structures within India's civil code framework, potentially setting precedents for other states considering similar UCC implementations. The seven-year penalty—comparable to sentences for serious offenses—signals the state's intent to deter perceived marital fraud and uphold contractual fidelity in domestic partnerships. Stakeholders are monitoring the amendment's practical application and its implications for personal liberty, with some civil society groups expressing concerns about potential overreach into private life. The ordinance awaits legislative ratification, but its immediate promulgation demonstrates Uttarakhand's assertive approach to social regulation through civil code modernization.