Uttarakhand has made history by becoming the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a progressive set of laws that apply to all religions and communities in the state. On January 27, 2025, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially announced the implementation of the UCC, which brings sweeping reforms in areas such as marriage, inheritance, maintenance, and child rights.
Key Provisions of Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code
- Ban on Polygamy and Second Marriages
The UCC prohibits polygamy for all religions in the state. Additionally, it bars individuals from marrying a second time while their spouse is alive. The law aims to protect the sanctity of marriage and uphold equality. - Equal Property Rights for Daughters
The new code ensures that daughters are granted equal rights to inherit property, bringing uniformity across different religious communities. This historic change gives women the same rights as sons in terms of ancestral property. - Live-In Relationships
Live-in relationships are now legally recognized under the UCC. The law mandates the registration of such relationships, and the registrar is required to inform the parents of the couple. Children born from live-in relationships will have equal property rights, ensuring they are not disadvantaged in matters of inheritance. - Minimum Marriage Age
The UCC enforces a common minimum age for marriage: 21 years for men and 18 years for women. This provision seeks to curb child marriage and ensure that individuals are of legal age to marry. - Child Rights and Property Division
The code also provides clarity on the division of property and establishes strong legal protections for children. It ensures that children born in any type of union, including live-in relationships, are treated equally with regard to their inheritance rights.
UCC’s Focus on Equality and Women’s Empowerment
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that the UCC was designed to end discrimination and ensure equal rights for all citizens, particularly women. He noted that this law will help eliminate practices such as halala, polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq, which have long been controversial in various communities.
In a significant move, Dhami clarified that the UCC would not apply to Scheduled Tribes as per Article 342 of the Indian Constitution, ensuring that their rights and customs remain protected.
UCC Portal and Celebration of Uniform Civil Code Day
The government also launched the UCC portal, which will allow residents to register marriages, live-in relationships, and property-related matters under the new law. Additionally, Dhami declared January 27 as Uniform Civil Code Day in Uttarakhand, marking the state’s commitment to equality and social justice.
Political Context and Future Implications
Uttarakhand’s bold move to implement the UCC has set a precedent for other states to follow. The law is aimed at fostering unity and ensuring fairness for all citizens, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
