The Uttarakhand High Court has questioned the need for rules that regulate live-in relationships. The court said that a person's dignity should not be sacrificed, especially when a child is born from such a relationship. This comes as the court hears a case challenging parts of the Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024. 

The petitioner, Almasuddin Siddiqui, through lawyer Kartikey Hari Gupta, argues that the law not only affects the right to marry according to one's religion but also makes these marriages illegal. Chief Justice G Narender's Bench is now reviewing whether such strict rules are really necessary.

Representing the Uttarakhand and central governments, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requested six weeks to respond to the petition. The Chief Justice questioned Section 387(1) of the law, which makes it a crime not to register live-in relationships punishable by up to three months in jail or a fine of Rs 10,000, or both. Mehta said, "We will file a reply. We believe this rule is justified, as our study shows there are many destitute women."

In his comments, the Chief Justice questioned why live-in relationships should be regulated. He asked what happens if such a relationship ends or if there's a child involved, since marriage automatically establishes paternity, but live-in relationships do not. He also wondered whether it's acceptable to compromise someone's self-respect in the name of privacy, especially when it affects a child without clear proof of marriage or paternity.

The SG said that registering live-in relationships is meant to empower women. The CJ noted that these relationships are already recognized under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, which helps address women's issues and proves paternity when needed. He added that registration would be useful. The SG also said that relationships considered prohibited are already banned under existing marriage laws like the Special Marriage Act, Hindu Marriage Act, and Christian Marriage Act.

The Chief Justice pointed out that cousin marriages can cause genetic problems, a medically proven fact in 2025. The SG responded that the ban is accepted by all religions and the Special Marriage Act, with no fundamental right to marry a cousin. 

The Chief Justice said that cousin marriages can cause genetic issues, which are medically proven. The SG replied that such rules are accepted nationwide, including under the Special Marriage Act, and there is no right to marry your cousin.