THE MODERN UNION IN THE SHADOW OF THE STATE: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPS UNDER THE UTTARAKHAND UNIFORM CIVIL CODE
AUTHORS – AVIRUP DUTTA* & DR. DEBASHREE CHAKRABORTY**
* RESEARCH SCHOLAR, DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL SCIENCE, TECHNO INDIA UNIVERSITY, WEST BENGAL,
** HOD, DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL SCIENCE, TECHNO INDIA UNIVERSITY, WEST BENGAL.
BEST CITATION – AVIRUP DUTTA & DR. DEBASHREE CHAKRABORTY, THE MODERN UNION IN THE SHADOW OF THE STATE: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPS UNDER THE UTTARAKHAND UNIFORM CIVIL CODE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (10) OF 2026, PG. 188-192, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/IJLRV6I1024
Abstract
In Indian society marriage has always been the fundamental aspect of family life, but due the diversity of culture there are various communities where cohabitation outside the institution of marriage is carried on effectively. Live-in relationship can be stated as a relationship in the nature of marriage without the formalities of marriage, where the partners share certain obligation towards each other. The Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand is the first legislation in India to provide statutory recognition and regulation of live-in relationships. The recognition of the same was previously done only through judicial interpretation. India does not have a nationwide Uniform Civil Code (UCC) regulating live-in relationships. The only comprehensive statutory framework in force is the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand, 2024, which came into effect on 27 January 2025. Despite the progressive approach there are various gaps in the legislative structure, this article studies the legislative structure regulating live-in relationship under the umbrella of UCC, Uttarakhand and addresses the lacunas of the act. The article also suggests reformative measures for effective working of the statute without harming the rights of the individual.
Key Words – Live-in relationship, Uniform Civil Code (UCC), State intrusion, Cohabitation.