The Uttarakhand Civil Union (UCIC) has sparked controversy, with Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Saket Gokhale criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Gokhale raised concerns about the regulations introduced under UCIC for individuals in live-in relationships, accusing the BJP of intruding into people’s private lives.

Criticism from Opposition Leaders

Gokhale took to Microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “This alarming provision implies that individuals in live-in relationships must prove their status. If some crazy people file complaints, such individuals could face difficulties. The BJP has now stepped into your bedrooms and can inspect whenever they wish.”

Meanwhile, Congress leader Shama Mohammed also condemned BJP’s stance on UCIC, calling it a shameful attempt to interfere in adults’ private lives. She emphasized that the legislation presented in the Uttarakhand Assembly by the BJP government imposes mandatory registration for live-in relationships within a month, failing which couples could face imprisonment for six months. She criticized the BJP for encroaching upon the personal lives of consenting adults in the state.

Opposition from AIUDF MP

Responding to the controversy, AIUDF chief and MP Badruddin Ajmal criticized such measures taken by state legislatures when the government fails. He cited instances where Chief Ministers like Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam have resorted to similar tactics to please Prime Minister Modi to retain their positions. He asserted that such bills should be discarded.

Failure in Women’s Safety by Uttarakhand Government

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi expressed concerns over the failure of the Uttarakhand government in addressing issues concerning women’s safety and law enforcement in the state. He viewed UCIC as an attempt to divert attention from the government’s failures, predicting electoral defeat for BJP in Uttarakhand in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Understanding UCIC

Under UCIC in Uttarakhand, individuals residing in live-in relationships for over a month without formal declaration may face penalties. The penalties include imprisonment for up to three months, a fine of Rs. 10,000, or both.