Uttarakhand to Implement Uniform Civil Code Today: A Landmark Move in Independent India

Uttarakhand is set to become the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) starting today, January 27, 2025. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the state has completed all necessary preparations, including approval of the implementation rules and training of concerned officials. The UCC aims to bring “uniformity in society” and ensure “equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens.”

Regarding the initiative, Dhami referred to the UCC as a contribution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a “developed, organized, harmonious, and self-reliant nation.” The BJP had committed to implementing the UCC in Uttarakhand during its 2022 assembly election campaign, which resulted in a historic second-term victory for the party in the state.

The Journey of the UCC in Uttarakhand

• March 2022: Following the BJP’s electoral victory, the state cabinet approved the formation of an expert panel to draft the UCC.
• May 2022: A committee headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai was formed to prepare the draft.
• February 2024: After extensive consultations with diverse sections of the population, the committee submitted a comprehensive four-volume draft.
• March 2024: The UCC bill was passed by the state assembly and received presidential assent from President Droupadi Murmu.
• 2024: A second committee, led by former Chief Secretary Shatrughna Singh, formulated rules and regulations for implementation.
• January 2025: The state cabinet approved the UCC’s final implementation date, coinciding with the celebration of India’s 76th Republic Day.

Key Features of the Uttarakhand UCC

The UCC governs laws related to marriage, divorce, succession, live-in relationships, and related matters.

• Uniform Provisions: Establishes equal marriageable age for men and women, common grounds for divorce, and bans polygamy and ‘halal.’
• Gender Parity ensures equal rights for women in marriage, divorce, and succession. It also treats all children as legitimate, including those born from void or voidable marriages.
• Simplified Legal Processes: Simplifies the drafting of wills and regulates live-in relationships.
• Mandatory Registration: Registration is required for all marriages and live-in relationships, and online registration is available to facilitate the process.
• Provisions for Defence Personnel: Includes “privileged will” options for soldiers, air force personnel, and mariners engaged in expeditions or warfare, allowing flexibility in will-making.

Doon University Vice-Chancellor Surekha Dangwal, a key contributor to the UCC draft, emphasized that the Act’s spirit lies in achieving gender parity across all religions. “We have done away with the term ‘illegitimate’ for children and introduced measures that ensure inclusivity and equality,” she stated.

With Uttarakhand’s implementation of the UCC, the state sets a precedent for progressive legal reforms, paving the way for societal uniformity and inclusivity.