Uttarakhand Becomes First Indian State To Implement Uniform Civil Code

Uttarakhand is set to make history today as it becomes the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

The landmark legislation will be launched at approximately 12:30 pm, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state.

Photo Credit: x.com/pushkardhami

Government officials have announced that the UCC will be enforced throughout Uttarakhand and will also apply to residents of the state living outside its borders.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will preside over the event, where a dedicated UCC portal will be unveiled at the state secretariat. Speaking on Sunday, Dhami emphasised that the UCC would lay the groundwork for a harmonious society, free from discrimination based on religion, gender, caste, or community.

"We are fulfilling our commitments. The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was an example of this. The Indian republic stands firmly today under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he was quoted as saying by the news agency PTI.

Last month, Dhami confirmed that the UCC would come into force in Uttarakhand in January 2025.

This announcement follows Prime Minister Modi's remarks in the Lok Sabha, where he reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the UCC, stating that it was "working with full force for a secular civil code".

Dhami remarked that the state government had completed its preparations for implementing the UCC. "Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we made a commitment to the people of the state about bringing the UCC in the run-up to the 2022 assembly elections. We took it up on priority after forming the government. The UCC was drafted, and an Act on it was brought. We are now going to fulfil that commitment fully and formally on Monday," he said.

"It will be in keeping with the prime minister's vision of creating a harmonious India where there is no discrimination against any religion, gender, caste or community," he added.

Key Features of the UCC

Equal property rights for sons and daughters: The UCC ensures that both sons and daughters receive equal property rights, irrespective of their category.

Marriage provisions: Polygamy will be prohibited, with monogamy set as the standard practice. The law requires individuals to be mentally sound and have reached the age of 21 for men and 18 for women to enter into marriage. While marriages may be solemnised in accordance with religious customs, registration of marriage will be mandatory.

Equality for legitimate and illegitimate children: The UCC eliminates the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children regarding property rights, recognising all children as biological offspring.

Inclusivity for adopted and biologically born children: Adopted children, those born through surrogacy, or conceived via assisted reproductive technology will be treated equally to biological children under the law.

Equal property rights after death: In the event of a person's death, the law provides equal property rights to the spouse and children, as well as extending rights to the deceased person's parents.

The Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024
The UCC Bill, introduced by Chief Minister Dhami's government, became a major political and national topic when it was passed in the Uttarakhand Assembly in February 2024.

The bill, which seeks to replace existing personal laws governing marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, was passed despite opposition demands to refer it to a select committee.

Highlighting its significance, Dhami said, "The UCC will give the right to equality to everyone without any discrimination on matters like marriage, maintenance, inheritance and divorce. The UCC will mainly remove the discrimination against women."

President Droupadi Murmu accorded her consent to Uttarakhand's UCC Bill in March 2024, officially making it law.