Bhopal, July 19 (IANS) Couples entering into live-in relationships will now face stringent legal obligations, with imprisonment provisions forming the core of a new law designed to regulate cohabitation.
The legislation mandates that partners must register their relationship with the Registrar within one month of living together. Failure to comply could result in imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of Rs 10,000.
The law goes further in penalising false declarations. Any couple that provides incorrect information during registration may face three months in jail and a fine of Rs 25,000. In cases where individuals ignore notices from the Registrar and fail to submit required statements, the punishment could extend to six months of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 25,000.
These strict measures underline the government’s intent to formalise live-in partnerships and prevent misuse. The Madhya Pradesh cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which, according to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, will be tabled in the coming Assembly session.
Eligibility criteria have also been clearly defined. Both partners must be at least 18 years old, must not fall under prohibited categories such as close relatives, and must not be previously married. If either partner is under 21 years of age, details of the relationship’s commencement and termination will be shared with their parents or guardians.
Additionally, the Registrar is required to forward records of registered live-in couples to the local police station, ensuring official oversight.
The law also addresses issues of legitimacy and protection. Children born during a live-in relationship will be recognised as legitimate and entitled to full inheritance rights, removing any ambiguity about their status.
Women have been given special safeguards; if a male partner abandons his female partner, she can claim maintenance through a competent court, similar to the rights of a legally wedded wife.
Legal experts suggest that while the provisions will provide clarity and protection, especially for women and children, they may also spark debate over privacy and personal freedom. Critics argue that mandatory registration and parental notification for those under 21 could intrude into private lives.
Nevertheless, the law marks a significant shift in how live-in relationships are treated, balancing social accountability with legal recognition. With imprisonment and fines looming for non-compliance, couples will now have to weigh their options carefully before entering cohabitation.
–IANS
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