GUWAHATI: Uttarakhand is set to make history on Monday, January 27 as the first state in post-independence India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will launch the UCC portal at 12.30 PM and issue an official notification, marking the adoption of the code after thorough preparations, including employee training and mock drills.
“This historic milestone makes Uttarakhand the first state to adopt progressive legislation aimed at societal uniformity and women’s empowerment,” Dhami stated. The UCC was drafted through extensive consultations with experts, community representatives, and locals, focusing on areas like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships.
Key provisions of the UCC include mandatory registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in partnerships, equal property rights for all, and safeguards for children. Non-compliance with these requirements will result in penalties. The law also standardises personal legal matters, such as testamentary succession and the creation or revocation of wills.
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Under the UCC, individuals must meet specific criteria for marriage, including being mentally capable, unmarried, and aged 21 for men or 18 for women. While religious customs will still govern ceremonies, registration will ensure legal recognition.
Though hailed by supporters as a step toward equality, the move has drawn criticism. Opponents warn it could lead to societal divisions along religious lines and argue that the law may be impractical to implement. Article 44 of the Indian Constitution advocates for a uniform civil code nationwide, a goal that has seen renewed focus, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi citing the Supreme Court’s calls for such a reform.
The UCC debate is expected to extend beyond Uttarakhand, potentially inspiring other states to follow suit. The law’s effectiveness will depend on its ability to balance individual rights and social harmony.
The groundwork for this legislation began during Dhami’s 2022 re-election campaign, where he pledged to implement the UCC. Following his victory, a five-member committee led by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai drafted the 740-page code, informed by feedback from over 2.3 lakh residents—about 10% of the state’s families.
The bill progressed rapidly through the legislative process: approved by the cabinet on February 4, tabled on February 6, and passed on February 7. Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) gave his assent on February 28, followed by President Droupadi Murmu on March 11.
