Uttarakhand has become the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a historic milestone. The law comes into effect today, fulfilling a key promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2022 assembly elections.
Preparations for Implementation
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that all necessary preparations, including the approval of rules and training of officials, have been completed. He emphasized that the UCC aims to foster equality and harmony in society by ensuring equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens.
“UCC is our contribution to the larger mission led by the Prime Minister to build a developed, harmonious, and self-reliant nation,” Dhami stated.
UCC Journey in Uttarakhand
The process began in March 2022, when the Uttarakhand cabinet approved the formation of an expert panel to draft the UCC. Chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, the panel conducted extensive consultations with various sections of society before submitting a comprehensive four-volume draft in February 2024.
The Uttarakhand assembly passed the UCC bill shortly after, and it received presidential assent in March 2024. A second committee, led by former Chief Secretary Shatrughna Singh, finalized the implementation framework, with the state cabinet approving the rules and setting January 27, 2025, as the date for enforcement.
Key Provisions of the Uttarakhand UCC
The UCC introduces uniform laws across religions on marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships. Key highlights include:
1. Equal Marriageable Age: The law sets the same marriageable age for men and women.
2. Gender Parity: It ensures equal rights in matters of marriage, divorce, and succession across all religions.
3. Ban on Polygamy and Halala: Practices like polygamy and halala are prohibited.
4. Children’s Rights: All children, including those born from void or voidable marriages, are treated as legitimate. The term “illegitimate” has been completely eliminated.
5. Mandatory Registration: All marriages and live-in relationships must be registered. Online registration facilities have been set up for public convenience.
6. Simplified Wills: The law simplifies the process of drafting wills and includes a special provision for defence personnel, allowing flexible “privileged wills” during expeditions or warfare.
Aiming for Social Harmony
Surekha Dangwal, Vice Chancellor of Doon University and a member of the drafting panel, highlighted that the UCC’s essence lies in achieving gender parity across religions. She described the law as a significant step towards ensuring fairness and equality in personal laws.
As Uttarakhand takes the lead, the implementation of the UCC is expected to set a precedent for other states, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to equality and justice for all citizens.
