Uttarakhand has become the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a landmark reform aimed at ensuring equality in personal laws across all communities. The move, announced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is considered as a significant step toward legal uniformity and social justice in India.
What Is the Uniform Civil Code?
The UCC standardizes laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, ensuring uniformity across religions. Rooted in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, it aims to promote national integration and eliminate discrimination based on religion or gender.
After months of deliberation involving legal experts, community leaders, and civil society, a specialized committee led by former Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai drafted the UCC. The final version addresses concerns from various groups while upholding gender equality and justice.
Key UCC Measures
- Marriage & Divorce: Establishes a common marriageable age, grounds for divorce, and procedures for all religions.
- Succession: Standardizes inheritance laws.
- Live-in Relationships: Mandates compulsory registration.
- Polygamy & ‘Halala’: Bans polygamy and the practice of ‘halala.’
The decision has sparked nationwide debate. Many legal experts and women’s rights groups applaud it as a milestone for gender justice. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called it a “historic decision” at a BJP rally in Kotdwar, stating that it sets an example for the nation. However, critics argue it may fuel socio-religious tensions and call for broader consensus before nationwide adoption.
While Goa has followed a common civil law since its liberation, Uttarakhand is the first state to draft and implement a modern UCC. Its success could encourage other states to follow suit.
Uttarakhand’s UCC marks a significant moment in India’s legal history, reinforcing the state’s commitment to equality and justice. As the nation observes its impact, the broader socio-political implications of this reform remain to be seen.
