The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) means having the same rules for everyone about important personal matters like marriage, divorce, property, inheritance, and adoption. These rules apply to all citizens, no matter what religion they follow.

The Indian Constitution talks about the UCC in Article 44, which asks the government to work towards making sure everyone is treated equally under the same laws. Right now, Goa is the only state in India that already has a UCC. This is based on old Portuguese laws from 1867, which Goa continued to follow after joining India.

Why is Uttarakhand implementing the UCC?

Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, said that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will help create equality and fairness in society. It will do this by applying the same rules to everyone, ensuring equal rights and duties for all citizens.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had promised to bring the UCC during the 2022 state elections, which they won for the second time in a row. This decision also fits with the BJP’s bigger goal of bringing unity and harmony to the country. By being the first state to put the UCC into action, Uttarakhand hopes to inspire other states to follow its lead.

How was the UCC prepared in Uttarakhand?

The process began in March 2022 when the Uttarakhand government’s cabinet approved the formation of an expert committee. This committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, spent over one and a half years gathering input from different sections of society.

After thorough consultations, the committee submitted a detailed draft consisting of four volumes in February 2024. Following this, legislation on the UCC was passed on February 7, 2024, and received the President’s approval in March 2024. A second committee, led by former Chief Secretary Shatrughna Singh, later worked on framing the rules for its implementation. With all processes complete, the state announced January 27, 2025, as the date for its enforcement.

What will the UCC change in Uttarakhand?

The UCC brings important changes to laws to make them fair for everyone. It sets the same minimum age for marriage for men and women and introduces common rules for divorce for all religions. When it comes to property, all children will have equal rights, no matter their parents' marital status, and terms like "illegitimate" will no longer be used. Live-in relationships must now be officially registered in the state. The UCC focuses on gender equality, giving women equal rights in marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Special rules are also included for defence personnel, allowing them to make simple wills during wartime or expeditions. Additionally, the process of making and handling wills has been made easier for everyone.

How will the UCC be implemented?

To make the transition smooth, the Uttarakhand government has taken steps to spread awareness about the new laws:

  • Training and awareness programs: Officials and concerned departments have been informed about the UCC, and awareness programs are being conducted to educate citizens.
  • Digital facilities: Online systems have been introduced for registering marriages and live-in relationships, making the process easier for people.
  • Support centres: Facilities are being established to assist citizens in understanding and complying with the new laws.

What does the Chief Minister say?

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has described the UCC as an important step towards creating a “developed, organised, harmonious, and self-reliant nation.” He called it Uttarakhand’s contribution to a nationwide effort spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to modernise and unify India.

“The Gangotri of the UCC will spring from Uttarakhand and spread to the rest of the country,” Dhami said, emphasising its historical and societal importance.

How does the UCC promote equality?

The UCC is based on three main ideas. First, it ensures fairness for women by giving them equal rights in marriage, divorce, and inheritance, helping to end discrimination. Second, it creates unity by having the same laws for everyone, which reduces disagreements caused by different personal or community rules. Finally, it protects children’s rights by treating all children equally, no matter their parents’ marital status, ensuring they have the same chances and rights.

What are the challenges?

Implementing a UCC involves addressing diverse personal laws that have been in place for generations. There may be opposition from groups that see it as a threat to religious and cultural practices. However, the government believes the long-term benefits of equality and unity outweigh these challenges.

Is Uttarakhand’s UCC a first in India?

While Goa has a UCC based on the Portuguese Civil Code, Uttarakhand is the first state to draft and implement a Uniform Civil Code independently. This move is expected to inspire other states like Assam, which has expressed interest in adopting a similar framework.

Why is the UCC significant for India?

The idea of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has been discussed since India’s independence. During British rule, criminal laws were made the same for everyone, but family and personal laws were left unchanged because they were seen as sensitive issues. Leaders like B.R. Ambedkar supported the UCC, believing it would promote equality and bring the country closer together.

By introducing the UCC, Uttarakhand is working towards achieving one of the important goals of India’s Constitution—having the same laws for all citizens.

Uttarakhand’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code marks a historic moment for the state and the country. The new laws aim to bring equality, gender justice, and harmony to society. As other states watch and learn from Uttarakhand’s example, the UCC may pave the way for a more unified India.