Following the implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand on January 27, one of the key elements in the law, mandatory registration of live-in relationships amongst consenting adults, has sparked debates and protests in many quarters.The UCC says, “a live-in relationship as one between a man and a woman, who cohabit in a shared household through a relationship in the nature of marriage.”Another BJP-ruled state, Gujarat, also followed suit and set up a committee headed by retired SC judge Justice Ranjana Desai to draft a bill within 45 days.Other BJP ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Madhya Pradesh have also expressed their intent to implement the common civil code using Uttarakhand as a model.With more states in its kitty, the BJP is expected to push further its ambitious ‘One Nation One Election’ Bill, which may require amendments to the Constitution of India.One of the proposals includes the curtailing or extension of the tenures of several state assemblies to implement simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies.All the Opposition parties have vehemently opposed the Bill, arguing that it will be detrimental to federal principles. However, with the opposition states in decline, the ruling BJP may face less resistance in the implementation of the Bill.
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