Uttarakhand is set to make history as the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) today(27th Jan). Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will inaugurate the UCC portal, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state.
Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand is making history by becoming the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This landmark step will be formally introduced today at 12:30 PM, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state.
The UCC aims to create a uniform set of laws governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property, applicable to all citizens irrespective of religion, gender, caste, or community.
Government officials have confirmed that the UCC will be implemented across Uttarakhand and will also apply to residents of the state living outside. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will lead the event at the state secretariat, where a dedicated UCC portal will be unveiled.
Article 44, under Part IV of the Indian Constitution, states: “The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.”
However, Article 37 clarifies that the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) “shall not be enforceable by any court.” Despite this, they are considered “fundamental in the governance of the country.”
This reflects that while the Constitution supports the idea of implementing a Uniform Civil Code, it does not mandate its enforcement.
On Sunday, Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the broader societal benefits of the UCC, stating, “The UCC would establish the foundations of a harmonious society, free from discrimination based on religion, gender, caste, or community.”
Dhami highlighted the government’s track record of fulfilling promises, referencing the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
He remarked, “We are fulfilling our commitments. The abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir was an instance of it. The Indian republic stands firmly today under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Last month, Chief Minister Dhami announced that the UCC would be implemented in Uttarakhand from January 2025.
He assured that all preparations were complete, saying, “The state government had completed its ‘homework,’ and preparations were done for the implementation of UCC across the state from January 2025.”
The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in the Lok Sabha expressing the government’s strong commitment to the UCC.
He said the government was “working with full force for a secular civil code.”
Reflecting on the journey to this historic milestone, Dhami said, “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 further added, “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.”
Key Features of UCC
The UCC introduces several progressive reforms to ensure equality and fairness in personal laws:
- Equal Property Rights: Sons and daughters will have equal rights to inherit property, irrespective of their category.
- Marriage Provisions: Polygamy will be prohibited, and monogamy will become the standard practice. Marriage will be restricted to mentally sound individuals aged 21 for men and 18 for women. While marriages can still follow religious customs, registration will be mandatory.
- Equality for Children: The law eliminates the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children regarding property rights, ensuring all children are treated equally.
- Inclusivity in Parenthood: Adopted children, those born through surrogacy, and those conceived via assisted reproductive technology will enjoy the same rights as biological children.
- Equal Property Rights After Death: Upon a person’s death, the law grants equal property rights to the spouse and children, with equal entitlements also extended to the deceased’s parents.
UCC Bill 2024
The Uniform Civil Code Bill, introduced by the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami-led government, became a focal point of national discussion when it was passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly in February 2024. Despite opposition demands to refer the bill to a select committee, it was approved.
Highlighting the significance of the UCC, Chief Minister Dhami said, “The UCC will give the right to equality to everyone without any discrimination on matters like marriage, maintenance, inheritance, and divorce.”
He added, “The UCC will mainly remove the discrimination against women.”
After its passage, the bill received presidential assent in March 2024, making it a law. President Droupadi Murmu’s approval marked a significant step toward achieving legal uniformity in personal matters.
