Uttarakhand Becomes First State in Independent India to Implement Uniform Civil Code

On Monday, Uttarakhand will make history as the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that all necessary preparations, including the approval of implementation rules and the training of officials, have been completed. The UCC aims to ensure societal uniformity and equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens.

“UCC is Uttarakhand’s offering in the great ‘yagya’ being performed by the Prime Minister to transform India into a developed, organized, harmonious, and self-reliant nation,” Dhami stated, as reported by PTI.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had pledged to implement the UCC during its campaign for the 2022 assembly elections, which saw the party secure a historic second consecutive term in Uttarakhand. According to Dhami, the people’s mandate was a reflection of their support for this commitment.

The Journey of UCC in Uttarakhand

The groundwork for the UCC began in March 2022 when the Uttarakhand state cabinet approved the formation of an expert panel during its first meeting after the assembly elections. Chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, the committee was tasked with drafting the UCC.

After extensive consultations spanning 18 months, the Desai committee submitted a detailed four-volume draft to the state government on February 2, 2024. The Uttarakhand assembly passed the UCC bill shortly afterward, and President Droupadi Murmu granted her assent in March 2024.

A second expert committee, led by former chief secretary Shatrughna Singh, was later formed to draft the rules for implementation. This committee submitted its report in late 2024. Following cabinet approval, Chief Minister Dhami selected January 27, 2025, the day after the nation celebrated its 76th Republic Day, as the date for implementation.

Key Features of Uttarakhand’s UCC

The Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand will regulate matters such as marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships. Its provisions aim to promote gender parity and uniformity across all religions.

• Equal Marriageable Age: The UCC sets a uniform marriageable age for men and women.
• Divorce and Polygamy: It standardizes grounds and procedures for divorce and prohibits polygamy and halala.
• Legitimacy of Children: All children, including those born from void or voidable marriages, are treated as legitimate. The term “illegitimate” has been abolished.
• Mandatory Registration: Marriages and live-in relationships must be registered, with online facilities provided to simplify the process.
• Gender Parity: Provisions ensure equal rights in matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance across all religions.
• Privileged Wills for Defence Personnel: Special provisions allow soldiers, air force personnel, and mariners to create “privileged wills” under flexible rules, either in writing or verbally, during expeditions or wartime.

Doon University Vice Chancellor Surekha Dangwal, who contributed to drafting and implementing the UCC, highlighted its emphasis on gender equality and simplification of legal processes as its defining features. “The spirit of the UCC lies in achieving gender parity across all religions,” she noted.

With these measures in place, Uttarakhand’s implementation of the UCC marks a significant step towards legal uniformity and inclusivity, setting a precedent for the rest of the country.