Uttarakhand is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) soon. On October 18, 2024, the rules and implementation committee submitted the final draft of the UCC to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The CM stated that this initiative aims to provide equal justice and opportunities to everyone. Chief Minister Dhami announced that the date for implementing the UCC will be decided in an upcoming cabinet meeting. He also mentioned that officials and staff will receive proper training to ensure smooth execution of the act.
UCC Committee Members :
At the event, several prominent committee members were present, including retired IAS officer and chairman of the committee, Shatrughna Singh, social worker Manu Gaur, Vice-Chancellor of Doon University Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Additional Director General of Police Amit Sinha, and Resident Commissioner Ajay Mishra. The committee has prepared the rules for the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code 2024, which was handed over today. CM Dhami had earlier stated that the government aims to implement the UCC on November 9, the Uttarakhand State Foundation Day. Following the submission of the draft, it is now expected that the UCC will be enforced on that day.
यूसीसी को देवतुल्य जनता से किए गए वादे के अनुरूप शीघ्र ही प्रदेश में लागू किया जाएगा। अन्य राज्यों में भी यूसीसी को लागू करने की दिशा में यह कानून आदर्श साबित होगा।#UniformCivilCode pic.twitter.com/IqfO0yr1wr
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) October 18, 2024
Key Provisions of UCC:
The rules include four major sections covering marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, birth and death registration, and inheritance laws. It is ensured that all registration processes and appeals will be easily accessible through an online portal and mobile app, making it more convenient for the public.
Journey from Announcement to Implementation:
- February 12, 2022: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announced UCC during the assembly elections.
- May 2022: A committee of experts, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, was formed.
- February 2, 2024: The committee submitted its draft report to the CM.
- February 7, 2024: The bill was passed by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly.
- March 11, 2024: The President gave assent to the bill.
- October 18, 2024: The final draft of the UCC rules was submitted to the state government.
Major Changes Under UCC:
- A single law for all religions covering marriage, divorce, alimony, and inheritance.
- Mandatory registration of marriages, with a penalty of up to ₹25,000 for non-registration.
- Equal rights and grounds for divorce for women as men.
- Practices like halala and iddat will be abolished.
- Equal property rights for sons and daughters.
- Mandatory registration for live-in relationships, with children from such relationships having the same rights as biological children.
