Uttarakhand Becomes the First State to Implement Uniform Civil Code, Bringing Uniformity in Personal Laws
Uttarakhand is set to make history today, January 27, 2025, by becoming the first state in India to implement the much-debated Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This significant move aims to streamline and standardize personal laws relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession, while ensuring that all citizens are treated equally regardless of caste, religion, or gender.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the decision, highlighting that the UCC would bring uniformity in laws related to personal civil matters, which have often been seen as discriminatory based on various social identities. With the necessary preparations already completed, including the approval of the rules and training of officials, the state government is ready to enforce this legislation.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), CM Dhami emphasized that the UCC’s implementation aligns with the vision of making India a developed, harmonious, and self-reliant nation, as outlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, “The UCC will ensure equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens, eliminating discrimination based on caste, religion, or sex.”
This move is in line with the promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2022 assembly elections. Referring to Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which encourages the government to work toward a uniform civil code for all citizens, CM Dhami reiterated that the BJP had fulfilled its commitment to the people of Uttarakhand. The article, which forms part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, envisions a uniform civil code as a means to promote social justice and equality.
The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, will apply to all residents of the state, including those residing outside of Uttarakhand, with exceptions for Scheduled Tribes and other protected communities. Notably, the UCC introduces provisions for the creation and cancellation of wills and codicils (supplementary documents) under testamentary succession, offering a streamlined legal framework.
One of the significant changes under the new law is related to marriage regulations. Under the UCC, marriages can only take place between parties who are legally eligible. Both individuals must be mentally capable of giving legal consent, with the man needing to be at least 21 years old and the woman 18 years or older. Additionally, marriages are required to be registered within 60 days of solemnization, ensuring transparency and accountability.
For marriages that took place before March 26, 2010, or outside the state of Uttarakhand, couples who have been living together since that time and meet the legal eligibility criteria are encouraged (though not required) to register their marriage within six months of the law’s implementation. The registration process for marriages will be handled efficiently, with sub-registrars required to make decisions on applications within 15 days.
With Uttarakhand’s pioneering step towards implementing the UCC, the state has set a precedent that could pave the way for other states to follow suit. The move is seen as a landmark achievement in the pursuit of gender equality and social justice in India.
