Uttarakhand Launches Implementation of Uniform Civil Code

Uttarakhand has made history by becoming the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), effective from January 27, 2025. This milestone fulfills a key election promise made by the BJP, which has been anticipated since the 2022 state assembly elections. The UCC aims to establish consistency in personal laws, ensuring equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens, irrespective of their religion or community. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has emphasized that the UCC is designed to promote fairness, equality, and social harmony, rather than target any particular group or individual.

The implementation of the UCC followed extensive consultations, the formation of expert committees, and the drafting of detailed rules to ensure a smooth rollout. The following outlines the key provisions of Uttarakhand’s UCC, its legislative process, and its expected impact on society.

Key Highlights

• Historic Milestone: Uttarakhand becomes the first state in India to implement the UCC.
• UCC’s Purpose: Seeks to standardize laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships across all religions.
• Chief Minister’s Remarks: Dhami stated that the UCC is in line with the BJP’s vision for a developed and harmonious nation and is not intended to target any community.
   

Approval and Process

• The state cabinet approved the proposal for an expert panel in March 2022.
• The Desai Committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, submitted a detailed UCC draft in February 2024.
• The Uttarakhand assembly passed the bill, and President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent in March 2024.
   

Key Provisions of the UCC

• Uniform Marriageable Age: Both men and women will have the same legal marriage age.
• Standardized Divorce Laws: Divorce grounds and procedures will be consistent across all religions.
• Prohibitions: Polygamy and "halala" are banned.
• Marriage and Relationship Registration: All marriages and live-in relationships must be registered.
• Gender Equality: The UCC ensures gender parity in marriage, divorce, and inheritance.
• Legitimacy of Children: All children, including those from void marriages, are considered legitimate.

  
Special Provisions

• Defence personnel can make a “privileged will” in certain circumstances, such as during wartime or while at sea.

  
Government Support

• Online services for marriage registration are available to streamline the process.