Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand has made a historic leap by becoming the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, 2025. This significant move aims to standardize personal laws across various communities, addressing issues related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession without discrimination based on gender, caste, or religion.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the implementation of the UCC, emphasizing that it aligns with the vision of a more equitable society as outlined in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution. This article advocates for a uniform civil code to be adopted throughout the country as part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. The UCC’s introduction is seen as a fulfillment of a promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2022 assembly elections, where they pledged to work towards implementing this code if elected.
The UCC aims to simplify and unify various personal laws that have historically created disparities among different communities. Under this new framework, marriages can only be solemnized between individuals who meet specific legal criteria, including being of legal age—21 years for men and 18 years for women—and mentally competent. Furthermore, marriage registration will be mandatory for all unions occurring after the UCC’s implementation, with a stipulated 60-day deadline for registration.
In addition to marriage regulations, the UCC seeks to address divorce and inheritance laws comprehensively. It establishes equal rights for men and women in matters of divorce and succession while prohibiting practices such as polygamy and ‘halala’. The law also recognizes live-in relationships by mandating their registration, thus providing legal protection and recognition for individuals in such arrangements.
The decision to implement the UCC follows extensive consultations with experts and community representatives over several years. A committee led by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai drafted the UCC after engaging with various stakeholders in Uttarakhand. The draft was submitted to the state government in early 2024 and subsequently passed by the Uttarakhand assembly.
While many view this move as a progressive step towards social justice and equality, it has also sparked debates and concerns among certain communities. Critics argue that the UCC may lead to societal divisions along religious lines and question its practicality in a diverse nation like India. However, CM Dhami has reassured residents that the UCC is not intended to target any specific community but rather aims to eliminate discriminatory practices across all sections of society.
Supporters of the UCC believe that it will foster unity among citizens and promote gender parity in personal laws. The implementation of this code is seen as a significant milestone in Uttarakhand’s journey towards inclusive governance.As Uttarakhand sets this precedent, it remains to be seen how other states will respond to this bold initiative. The UCC could potentially pave the way for similar reforms across India, contributing to a more harmonized legal framework that respects individual rights while promoting equality.
In conclusion, Uttarakhand’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code marks a transformative step towards creating an equitable society, aligning with constitutional principles while addressing long-standing disparities in personal laws. As this new legal framework takes effect, it will be closely monitored for its impact on social dynamics and individual rights within the state.
