On Monday, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), fulfilling a major promise made by the ruling BJP ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the UCC by unveiling its official notification and releasing the rules for its implementation. He also introduced a portal for mandatory online registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships.
The event was held at Dhami's official residence, "Mukhya Sevak Sadan," and was attended by his colleagues and senior officials. Dhami said, "The UCC, which ensures equal laws for all citizens, regardless of their religion, is now in effect. This achievement belongs to the people of Uttarakhand."
He emphasised that the UCC aims to eliminate discriminatory practices against women, regardless of their religion. Uttarakhand is the first state in independent India to implement a UCC, which is based on the principle of a single set of laws for all citizens, as mentioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution.
This move also fulfills a key promise Dhami made to the people during the 2022 Assembly elections, in which the BJP won a second consecutive term—an achievement no other party had accomplished in the state since its creation in 2000. Dhami has often linked this victory to his commitment to introducing the UCC.
Once the BJP formed the government in March 2022, the state cabinet quickly approved the formation of an expert committee to draft the UCC. The committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, was formed on May 27, 2022, and worked with various communities to prepare the draft, which was submitted to the state government on February 2, 2024.
The state assembly passed the UCC legislation shortly after on February 7, and it received presidential assent nearly a month later, paving the way for its implementation.
Another expert committee, headed by former chief secretary Shatrughan Singh, helped frame the rules and regulations for the law's execution, and the state cabinet approved the final report recently. Dhami was authorised to decide the date for the law’s implementation.
Key features of the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code
The Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand introduces several key provisions aimed at ensuring equality and fairness:
- Equal Property Rights: Sons and daughters will have equal rights to inheritance and property, regardless of their category or community.
- Marriage Regulations: Polygamy will be prohibited, and monogamy will be the legal standard. Marriage will require mental fitness and a minimum age of 21 for men and 18 for women. While religious customs may govern marriage ceremonies, registration of marriages will be mandatory.
- No Distinction for Children: The UCC eliminates distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children concerning property rights. All children will be treated as equal biological offspring.
- Inclusion of All Children: Children adopted, born through surrogacy, or conceived via assisted reproductive technology will have equal rights, similar to biological children.
- Equal Rights After Death: Upon a person's death, property will be equally distributed among the spouse, children, and parents, ensuring fairness and equality.
Background and legislative journey
The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024 was introduced by Chief Minister Dhami's government and passed in the Uttarakhand Assembly in February last year.
The bill replaced outdated personal laws governing marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships. Despite opposition demands to refer the bill to a select committee, it gained significant support.
In March 2024, President Droupadi Murmu granted her approval, making the bill a law. Chief Minister Dhami has emphasized that the UCC will provide equal rights in areas such as marriage, maintenance, inheritance, and divorce while addressing the discrimination faced by women under previous laws.
Also Read: Uttarakhand notifies UCC, set rules for marriages
A vision for equality
The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a harmonious India where all citizens are treated equally, regardless of religion, gender, caste, or community.
This historic step sets Uttarakhand as a model for other states, paving the way for greater equality and fairness in Indian society.
Also Read: UCC to lay foundation for harmonious India: Uttarakhand CM
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