Uttarakhand has officially become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), effective from today.
The UCC aims to standardize personal laws across all religious communities in the state, addressing critical issues related to marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships. While the move has sparked both support and opposition, the legislation establishes a unified legal framework applicable to all citizens, regardless of religion.
Key provisions of the UCC include equal marriageable ages for men and women, uniform grounds for divorce, and the prohibition of practices like polygamy and ‘halala’. The UCC also mandates that all marriages be registered within 60 days and that live-in relationships be officially registered.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami called the UCC’s implementation a major milestone for Uttarakhand, calling it a step towards equality and progress. He highlighted that the state’s adoption of the UCC contributes to India’s broader goal of becoming a more developed, organized, and harmonious nation.
What is the Uniform Civil Code?
The Uniform Civil Code is intended to create consistency in personal laws across religious communities, focusing on equality in marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. Supporters argue that it will bring uniformity, while critics fear it may exacerbate social divisions.
Timeline and Process
The UCC initiative was promised by CM Dhami during the 2022 Assembly elections, with a committee headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai drafting the law. The 740-page draft received input from over 230,000 citizens. After its approval by the Cabinet and the state Assembly, the law was signed into effect by President Droupadi Murmu on March 11, 2024.
The UCC officially came into force on January 27, 2025, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dehradun.
An online portal for UCC-related registrations was launched today, enabling citizens to register marriages, divorces, succession rights, live-in relationships, and terminations remotely.
UCC’s Impact on Key Areas
– Marriage: The legal age for marriage is set at 21 for men and 18 for women. Marriages performed according to religious customs must be registered within 60 days. Practices like polygamy and ‘halala’ are prohibited. Live-in relationships also require registration.
– Divorce: Both men and women now have equal grounds for divorce, ensuring gender neutrality in the divorce process.
– Succession: The UCC simplifies the creation, cancellation, and modification of wills, making the succession process more straightforward and equitable.
Who is Affected by the UCC?
The UCC applies to all residents of Uttarakhand, including those living outside the state. However, Scheduled Tribes and certain individuals under specific protection are exempt from the provisions of the UCC.
The introduction of the UCC in Uttarakhand is a significant development, reshaping personal law across the state and setting a precedent for potential nationwide implementation.
