Uttarakhand Makes History as First State to Implement Uniform Civil Code

Dehradun: Uttarakhand has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the rollout of the UCC today, marking a significant step toward ensuring equality and uniformity in personal laws across the state.

The UCC, a long-standing promise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aims to standardize laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession, eliminating discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. CM Dhami emphasized that the implementation of the UCC reflects the state's commitment to fostering social harmony and equal rights for all citizens.

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Key Highlights of the UCC Implementation

1. Uniformity in Personal Laws: The UCC establishes a common legal framework for all residents of Uttarakhand, except Scheduled Tribes and certain protected communities. It ensures that personal laws no longer vary based on religious or cultural practices.
2. Prohibition of Polygamy: The code mandates monogamy, allowing marriage only between individuals who do not have a living spouse. Men must be at least 21 years old, and women must be at least 18 years old to marry.
3. Mandatory Marriage Registration: All marriages solemnized after the implementation of the UCC must be registered within 60 days. Marriages conducted before March 26, 2010, or outside Uttarakhand can also be registered within six months.
4. Streamlined Legal Processes: The UCC simplifies procedures for marriage registration, divorce, and inheritance, ensuring timely and efficient legal resolutions.
5. Equal Rights for All: The code guarantees equal property rights for sons and daughters, abolishing distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children.

CM Dhami's Vision for a Unified Society

In a post on X, CM Dhami highlighted the significance of the UCC, calling it a “Gangotri of legal reforms.” He stated, “The UCC will bring uniformity to society and ensure equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens. This is our offering in the great yagya led by Prime Minister Modi to build a developed, organized, harmonious, and self-reliant nation.”

The implementation of the UCC fulfills a key promise made by the BJP during the 2022 assembly elections. CM Dhami reiterated the party's commitment to upholding Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which advocates for a uniform civil code across the country.

A Step Toward National Integration

The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, applies not only to residents within the state but also to those living outside Uttarakhand. By standardizing personal laws, the UCC aims to promote social cohesion and eliminate disparities rooted in religious or cultural practices.

While the UCC has been widely praised for its progressive approach, it has also faced criticism from opposition parties and religious groups, who argue that it may infringe on the cultural rights of minority communities.

What’s Next?

The successful implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand is expected to set a precedent for other states, particularly those governed by the BJP. Assam has already expressed interest in adopting a similar framework, signaling a potential nationwide shift toward uniform civil laws.

As Uttarakhand embarks on this transformative journey, the UCC stands as a testament to the state's commitment to equality, justice, and social harmony. The nation watches closely as this historic initiative unfolds, paving the way for a more unified and equitable India. ( ANI )