Uniform Civil Code to come into effect in Uttarakhand from January 27
Uttarakhand is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, 2025, making it the first state in India to do so. This landmark legislation aims to establish a uniform set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession for all citizens, with exceptions for Scheduled Tribes and certain protected communities.
Key Details of UCC Implementation
Launch Event: The UCC will be officially launched by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Dehradun. The UCC portal will also be unveiled at 12:30 PM on the same day.
Scope: The UCC applies to all residents of Uttarakhand, including those living outside the state. It mandates that all marriages must be registered within 60 days of solemnization, with provisions for marriages occurring since March 26, 2010, to be registered within six months.
Legal Framework: The UCC seeks to simplify legal processes and promote social harmony by providing clear definitions and requirements for marital conditions. It aims to protect individual rights while ensuring legal recognition of marriages performed under various customs.
The introduction of the UCC was a significant commitment made by the BJP during the 2022 assembly elections. While the government promotes it as a step towards equality and justice, some opposition leaders have raised concerns about its potential societal impact and divisiveness. However, Chief Minister Dhami has emphasized that the UCC is intended to unify rather than divide.
This initiative reflects ongoing national discussions about implementing a uniform civil code across India, as outlined in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution.
