Uttarakhand Becomes First State to Implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

In a landmark move, Uttarakhand is poised to become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a historic shift in the nation’s legal landscape. The announcement, made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, comes after a series of preparatory steps, including the completion of government employee training, mock drills, and dry-run sessions. On Monday, the UCC portal will be officially launched, with a notification marking the formal adoption of the civil code.

"The implementation of the UCC is a milestone for the state, as it makes Uttarakhand the first state in post-independence India to adopt this progressive legislation," Dhami remarked. The Chief Minister emphasized that the UCC had been carefully drafted after thorough consultations with experts, community representatives, and local stakeholders. He highlighted that the law’s primary objective is to ensure societal uniformity and empower women across the state.

The UCC, which seeks to standardize personal laws across various religious communities, addresses crucial societal issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. One of the key provisions of the UCC is the mandatory registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships, ensuring equal property rights and safeguarding children’s rights. Non-compliance with these legal requirements will result in penalties.

The law defines legal marriage requirements, stipulating that individuals must be mentally capable and meet the age criteria—21 years for men and 18 years for women—before entering into a union. While religious customs can still dictate the ceremonies, legal registration will be required for recognition. Furthermore, the UCC provides clear guidelines regarding the creation and cancellation of wills and codicils, establishing a uniform process for testamentary succession.

The implementation of the UCC has sparked a mix of reactions, with some welcoming the move as a step toward equality, while others express concerns over potential societal divisions. Critics argue that the UCC could lead to conflicts along religious lines and may be difficult to implement effectively across the diverse social fabric of India.

The debate surrounding the UCC is not limited to Uttarakhand. Article 44 of the Indian Constitution calls for a uniform civil code for the entire country, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has supported this vision, citing the Supreme Court’s directive on the matter. He has underscored the importance of fulfilling the framers' intent, with the UCC being a crucial aspect of the broader national goal.

Uttarakhand’s adoption of the UCC is seen as a potential model for other states to follow. The success of the law’s implementation will depend on its ability to balance individual rights with societal harmony. As the state moves forward with the UCC, the next few weeks will provide valuable insights into its reception and impact, not just within Uttarakhand but across the nation.

The process of implementing the UCC began with the formation of a five-member committee, led by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, appointed by CM Dhami after his re-election in 2022. The committee's draft was presented to the Chief Minister on February 2, 2024, and after receiving feedback from over 2.3 lakh people, it was approved by the cabinet on February 4. The draft was tabled in the state assembly on February 6, and after passing the assembly, it was signed by Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (retd) on February 28. The bill was then forwarded to President Droupadi Murmu, who signed it into law on March 11.