The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved the rules for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a historic step for the state. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described it as a proud moment, highlighting that Uttarakhand will become the first state in the country to adopt UCC. He emphasized that the government fulfilled its 2022 election promise by introducing the UCC bill.
UCC Implementation Process and Preparations
A state-wide mock drill is scheduled for January 21 to test the UCC’s functionality. During this exercise, web portal-based registrations for services like marriage, divorce, and inheritance will be conducted. Registrars and officials will log in to the portal to identify and address potential technical issues.
Timeline: From Announcement to Approval
- February 12, 2022: UCC announced during state elections.
- 2022: Expert committee formed under ex-Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai.
- February 2, 2024: Draft report submitted to CM.
- February 7, 2024: Bill passed in the Assembly.
- March 11, 2024: Presidential assent granted.
- October 18, 2024: Rulebook preparation finalized.
- January 20, 2025: Cabinet approval for implementation.
Key Changes Under UCC
The UCC aims to unify laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance across all religions and communities. Key provisions include:
- Mandatory marriage registration, with penalties for non-compliance.
- Equal rights for women in divorce and inheritance.
- Bans on practices like Halala and Iddat.
- Registration and rights for individuals in live-in relationships.
