The Uttarakhand Government told the High Court on Friday (February 21, 2025) that it would soon file an affidavit explaining why it sought details such as Aadhaar and information on previous relationships for registration of live-in couples under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which was rolled out recently.
There was a purpose behind seeking such information, the government said, adding that its aim was not to record anyone’s personal details.
The government submission came a petition filed in the High Court by one Samarth Aniruddha Bhagwat challenging the mandatory registration of live-In relationships under the UCC. The petition also challenged Form 3 of the UCC that sought information on the couple’s previous relationships/live-in partners, decree of divorce etc., as well as their Aadhaar-based details.
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Speaking in the court of Chief Justice G. Narendar and Justice Ashish Naithani, Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta, appearing for both Uttarakhand and the Union government, said he would file an affidavit explaining why such details were sought.
“I will look into it and will file an affidavit showing the relevance …the purpose is different. We don’t want any personal or private details to be recorded. I will ensure that happens to your lordships’ judicial satisfaction,” Mr. Mehta submitted orally in the court.
He also assured the petitioner’s lawyer, senior advocate Raju Ramachandran, that he “need not worry about fairness in details” as he was before the court.
Mr. Ramachandran informed the court that February 27 is a crucial date for live-in couples in Uttarakhand as that was the last date for their mandatory registration. The UCC came into effect on January 27 and couples had been given one month for registration. He also questioned the relevance behind collecting details of previous relations and Aadhaar information that contained biometrics.
The High Court had earlier sought a reply from the State and the Centre on this petition. The court also issued a notice on another plea filed by Razia Baig, a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, who challenged the UCC on the grounds that it was against the Sharia law.
The next hearing will take place on April 1, 2025.
