Uttarakhand’s Civil Code Draft: Polygamy Ban and Provision for Live-In Relationship Registration

The Uttarakhand government, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is poised to initiate a special session of the state assembly to introduce the much-anticipated Uniform Civil Code (UCC) draft. Crafted earlier this year by a committee appointed by Dhami, the comprehensive draft emerged from collaborative efforts involving a diverse range of citizens, with input gathered from over 2 lakh individuals and key stakeholders.

The essence of the UCC lies in establishing a unified legal framework applicable to all Indian citizens, transcending religious boundaries in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

As sources reveal, the forthcoming draft bill for Uttarakhand seeks a categorical prohibition on polygamy, underscoring the government’s commitment to social and legal reforms. Additionally, the proposed legislation includes a provision enabling live-in couples to formally register their relationships.

The pledge to enact a UCC in Uttarakhand was a pivotal promise during the BJP’s campaign leading up to the state assembly elections held last year. Subsequently, following their re-election, Chief Minister Dhami swiftly authorized the formation of a committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, dedicated to drafting the UCC. This initiative was approved during the very first cabinet meeting under Dhami’s leadership.

The expert panel, whose tenure was recently extended for the third time until December, has meticulously gathered opinions from a broad spectrum, encompassing 2.33 lakh individuals, various organizations, institutions, and tribal groups. The committee initially received a six-month extension in November 2022, followed by a second extension of four months in May of the subsequent year. This ongoing engagement underscores the commitment to a thorough and inclusive approach in shaping the proposed UCC for Uttarakhand.