Uttarakhand set to implement Uniform Civil Code today: key details revealed

Uttarakhand is making history by becoming the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This significant step was announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who emphasized that the UCC aims to create equality among citizens, ensuring they all have the same rights and responsibilities.

The BJP had promised to introduce the UCC during its 2022 assembly election campaign. The party’s victory in that election, which allowed it to form the government for a second consecutive term, was partly attributed to this commitment. CM Dhami called the UCC an important step in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a modern, organized, and self-reliant India.

The government made thorough preparations for this law, including training officials and finalizing the rules for its implementation. CM Dhami clarified that the law is not designed to target any particular group or religion but to promote harmony and fairness.

Journey of the UCC in Uttarakhand

The process of introducing the UCC began in March 2022, after the BJP’s assembly election win. In the very first cabinet meeting, the government decided to form a panel to draft the UCC. This expert committee, led by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, worked for one and a half years, consulting various sections of the population. The draft was submitted in February 2024, and the UCC bill was passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly soon after. President Droupadi Murmu gave her approval in March 2024, and the law was set to be implemented on January 27, 2025.

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Another committee, led by former Chief Secretary Shatrughna Singh, focused on framing the rules and regulations. The government approved the final details late last year, setting the stage for implementation.

Key features of the Uttarakhand UCC

The UCC covers laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, aiming to create gender equality and fairness across all religions. Some of its main features include:

• Equal marriage age for men and women.
• Uniform grounds for divorce across religions.
• A ban on polygamy and the practice of halala.
• Simplified rules for writing wills.
• Mandatory registration of all marriages and live-in relationships, with online facilities to make the process easier.

One notable aspect of the UCC is that it recognizes all children as legitimate, even those born from void or voidable marriages. The law has removed the term “illegitimate” for children entirely.

Another unique provision is the “privileged will” for defense personnel, which allows soldiers, air force personnel, and sailors to make a will in flexible conditions, including orally, while engaged in active duty or at sea.

Doon University Vice-Chancellor Surekha Dangwal, who helped draft the UCC, highlighted how the law promotes gender equality in matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance. She called this gender parity the true spirit of the UCC.

By implementing the UCC, Uttarakhand has taken a groundbreaking step toward uniformity and fairness in civil laws, setting an example for other states in India.