The proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) of Madhya Pradesh government is expected to make major changes to family and civil law with live-in relationships mandatory, inheritance rules reformed and maintenance rights extended to women. The Times of India reports that the bill will be introduced at the Monsoon session of the Madhya Pradesh Assembly on July 20.
The draft has been submitted by the committee that will be appointed to frame the UCC, and a special Cabinet meeting is scheduled on July 19 to approve the Bill before it is tabled in the Assembly.
Mandatory Registration of Live-In Relationships
One of the most significant provisions in the draft UCC is the requirement for all live-in couples to register their relationship with the district registrar where they reside.
The draft also states that if the relationship comes to an end, the couple must formally cancel the registration.
If not to register a live-in relationship, a victim could be sentenced to up to three months’ imprisonment under the proposed law.
In addition to that, the draft also states that the parents of people entering a live-in relationship should be informed, while local police stations will keep track of all registered live-in couples in their jurisdiction.
Neighbours and Landlords Can Report Unregistered Relationships
The proposed legislation would also enable neighbours, landlords, or any other person to report an unregistered live-in relationship to the authorities.
Supporters say the bill is designed to make a law that is enforced and critics will object if the Bill gets passed and there will be questions about privacy and personal freedom.
Legal Protection for Women
The draft UCC also seeks to strengthen legal protections for women in live-in relationships.
If a man leaves his live-in partner, he would be legally required to provide maintenance, putting such relationships under a clearer legal framework and offering greater financial security to women.
Changes to Inheritance Laws
The proposed code has suggestions for significant changes to succession and inheritance rules.
Currently, the property of a deceased man is generally inherited by his wife, children, and mother.
Under the draft:
The father would also be a legal heir entitled to a share of the property. References to "mother" in relevant provisions would be replaced by "parents", ensuring inheritance rights continue even if the mother is no longer alive.
The committee is hopeful changes to inheritance laws would also make inheritance laws more balanced and inclusive, it said.
Why the Government Wants a UCC?
According to the committee, personal matters like marriage, divorce, maintenance, succession, and inheritance are currently governed by different personal laws, leading to inconsistencies in civil matters.
A uniform civil code is proposed that would give the legal framework for these issues in the state a common framework.
Tribal Communities Exempt
The draft makes it clear that the proposed UCC will not initially apply to Madhya Pradesh's tribal population, which constitutes nearly 21% of the state's population.
If passed, Madhya Pradesh would become one of the few Indian states to implement a state-level Uniform Civil Code, following the example of Uttarakhand, while giving exemptions for tribal communities.
The proposal is expected to spark a sharp political and legal debate about live-in relationships and privacy as well as privacy provisions when it is discussed in the upcoming Assembly session.
