Uttarakhand Becomes First Indian State To Implement Uniform Civil Code

Uttarakhand will create history on Monday by becoming the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The UCC will apply to residents within the state as well as those living outside it.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will unveil the UCC portal at 12:30 p.m., just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state. The landmark legislation aims to ensure equality in personal laws and introduce uniformity across various aspects of marriage, inheritance, and family law.

The UCC rules, approved by the Uttarakhand government, underwent revisions based on recommendations from the Shatrughan Singh Committee. Initially presented as a 400-page document on October 18, 2024, the rules were condensed to fewer than 100 pages. The revised UCC excludes controversial proposals for a separate dispute resolution process for personal laws.

Key provisions include mandatory registration of marriages while allowing solemnization under religious customs. It also prohibits polygamy, making monogamy the legal norm. The law mandates that men aged 21 and women aged 18 can enter into marriage.

Uttarakhand CM Launches UCC Portal

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the UCC portal for streamlined implementation. With this, the Home Secretary has instructed all department heads and police officials to attend the event.

For the unversed, the UCC covers critical areas of personal civil law, including marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, adoption, and succession, ensuring uniformity across all communities.

Equal Property And Child Rights Highlighted

The UCC ensures equal property rights for sons and daughters. It abolishes the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, granting all children equal property rights. The law treats adopted children and those born through surrogacy or assisted reproductive technology on par with biological offspring.

Following a person’s death, property will be divided equally among the spouse, children, and parents, ensuring financial security for the family.

This historic move marks a significant step toward legal uniformity and equality in Uttarakhand, setting a precedent for other states.

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