Uttarakhand Makes History with Uniform Civil Code
Uttarakhand, on this day, became the first Indian state to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). With this code, separate laws pertaining to marriage, inheritance, maintenance, and properties will be scrapped because all religions will have the same set of rules. On January 27, 2025, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the UCC portal, which officially marked the implementation of the UCC legislation.
The UCC, comprising 392 sections under seven schedules, is based on a detailed 750-page draft spread across four volumes that was created by a five-member expert committee in June 2022. The Uttarakhand Assembly passed the State’s Uniform Civil Code on February 7, 2024.
The code does not apply to Scheduled Tribes and communities that fall under the protected category listed under Article 342 and Article 366 (25) of the Constitution so as to preserve their rights. With the governor’s notification dated January 27, the UCC came into effect at once. The legislation has had a positive impact on civil law in the state.
Difference the Uniform Civil Code Has Made in Uttarakhand
Equal Property Rights for Daughters
The most notable feature of the UCC is the fact that daughters are indulged in an equal right to inheritance of parental financial benefits irrespective of religion. ‘This law guarantees equality for women and facilitates the end of discriminatory practices’, stated Chief Minister Dhami.
Polygamy Banned Across All Religions
Another thing that is incorporated in the UCC is the legal prohibition of polygamy across all religions in Uttarakhand. No person can remarry while their spouse is still alive.
New Development on Live-In Relationships
Live-in relationships have to now be registered. The registrar shall notify the couple’s parents, whose identities shall remain anonymous. Children born from such relationships will also inherit property.
New Marriage Age Regulations
The minimum marriage age is 21 for men and 18 for women; there is no gender discrimination because it is set at 18 in both cases.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Comment
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami observed the importance of the Uniform Civil Code: “This policy is meant to curb discrimination while empowering women. The UCC will solve social problems like child marriages, the triple talaq, or poliandry. Everyone is equally treated and granted rights irrespective of the religion or community.”
The UCC is geared towards fostering an equitable society by resolving issues related to marriage, inheritance, and women’s rights. This has energized debate around the nation regarding the feasibility of its execution across the country. It is perceived as an initial move towards achieving a common civil code for the country.
X post by Dhami, CM states:
“I did what I said!! Under the leadership of the respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the guidance of the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji, today, our government has adopted a new law, the Uniform Civil Code, which I promised to my people. Today is not just important for Uttarakhand but all of India.”
Final comments
The country has taken a giant leap forward due to the UCC being enforced in Uttarakhand, and the rest of the states are likely to follow suit. By undertaking these steps, this legislation creates constructive changes in the socioeconomic environment of the country. People’s eyes nationally are on what this state has done, and it could be the first stage towards achieving equality in the country.
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जो कहा, वो किया !
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) January 27, 2025
आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी के कुशल नेतृत्व एवं केंद्रीय गृह मंत्री श्री @AmitShah जी के मार्गदर्शन में हमारी सरकार ने आज उत्तराखण्ड में समान नागरिक संहिता (UCC) लागू कर दिया है। आज का दिन उत्तराखण्डवासियों के साथ ही समस्त देशवासियों के लिए भी… pic.twitter.com/VmcNSUVsiC
