Only one live-in relationship has been officially registered since the launch of Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC) portal ten days ago. Officials say five applications have been submitted for mandatory registration, but only one has been approved, and the remaining four are still under verification.

Uttarakhand, the BJP government state, became the first state to introduce the Uniform Civil Code on January 27. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the online portal wherein marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships have to be registered. Symbolically, CM Dhami was the first to register his marriage on the platform.

Bajrang Dal keeps track of intermarriage registrations

The new provision has led to debates, especially about interfaith couples. Bajrang Dal leader Vikas Verma was worried, stating that the organization is tracking registrations closely.

"We have come across a case in Haridwar where the couple are from different religions. We are constantly on the lookout for dangerous cases," Verma told The Indian Express.

The UCC seeks to have a uniform legal framework for all citizens, which standardizes the laws on marriage, divorce, and property. However, the compulsory registration of live-in relationships has been criticized, with some arguing that it infringes on personal privacy.

Read: Uttarakhand implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC): What changes will come into effect?

Supporters vs. critics: The debate

Defending the policy, CM Dhami argued that mandatory registration could help prevent crimes like the murder of Shraddha Walkar by her live-in partner Aftab.

However, legal experts have criticized it for privacy implications. Senior Uttarakhand High Court lawyer Kartikeya Hari Gupta has described the rule as "a peep into bedrooms," drawing a similarity to policies seen in authoritarian states rather than democratic India.

Another lawyer, Dushyant Mainali, said the public response has been lukewarm, with those who supported the law during consultations yet to come forward to register. He said many might be hesitant to share personal details on an official platform or may not fully understand the implications of the law, which includes penalties for failing to register live-in relationships within a stipulated time.

It is early days yet in the roll out of the UCC, so only time will tell whether a larger number will come forward and take advantage of the new registration, or worries over privacy breaches and legal recourse will keep it all under the bed.

Read: Uttar Pradesh: Muslim man converts to Hinduism to marry his girlfriend