It’s a first in India and could serve as a model for the nation’s future. Uttarakhand, a state with a population just above one crore, has become the first to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This landmark decision aims to bring significant changes to personal laws and ensure equality for all citizens, regardless of religion. The move standardises regulations on marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and live-in relationships.
While announcing the UCC, along with the launch of its portal https://ucc.uk.gov.in/, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted its key features. The UCC prohibits polygamy across religions and grants daughters equal inheritance rights in parental properties. It mandates compulsory marriage registration within six months of the ceremony. Additionally, live-in couples must register their relationships within one month, and children born out of such relationships will have equal property rights.
Dhami emphasised that the UCC aligns with the Constitution and is not targeted at any religion or sect. Special provisions have been introduced to safeguard the rights of Scheduled Tribes under Article 342 of the Constitution. The code seeks to foster equality and justice while upholding the principles of secularism enshrined in the Constitution.
The decision was praised by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who expressed hope that other states and the entire country would adopt similar measures. Dhankhar described the UCC as a step toward achieving a more inclusive and unified legal framework for the nation.
The UCC addresses contentious issues such as polygamy, inheritance disparities, and legal rights for children born out of wedlock. Proponents argue that it will eliminate discriminatory practices and promote gender equality. However, critics caution that its implementation requires sensitive handling of India’s diverse cultural and religious fabric.
Meanwhile. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar stated that Uttarakhand’s implementation of the UCC marks a significant step towards gender equality and constitutional mandates. He addressed concerns about opposition to the UCC, emphasising that it is a constitutional requirement. He also highlighted the challenges posed by illegal migration, which threatens national harmony and resources. The Vice President expressed optimism for India’s economic growth and encouraged youth to explore diverse opportunities beyond traditional government jobs. In a message on X on his official account, he writes, “We are in a joyous mood today. The beginning of the last quarter of the century of adoption of the Indian Constitution has taken place with ‘Dev Bhoomi’ Uttarakhand making Uniform Civil Code a reality. Article 44 of the Constitution ordains that the state shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a #UniformCivilCode throughout the territory of India. One state has done it. I’m sure it will be a matter of time that the entire country will have similar legislation. #RajyaSabha”.
What is the Uniform Civil Code in India?
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposed set of secular laws intended to replace personal laws rooted in religious scriptures and customs. These personal laws govern aspects such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance and differ across religious communities.
The UCC aims to establish a uniform legal framework that treats all citizens equally, ensuring justice, equality, and gender neutrality. Article 44 of the Indian Constitution lists the implementation of the UCC as a directive principle, urging the state to work toward a unified set of personal laws to promote national integration.
Though debated for decades, proponents view the UCC as crucial for achieving equality and ending discrimination based on religion or gender. However, critics argue that its implementation must consider India’s cultural and religious diversity to avoid alienating communities.
