NEW DELHI: On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a significant milestone in the nation’s legal landscape. The UCC aims to standardize personal laws across communities, addressing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
The journey toward this implementation began in March 2022, when the newly formed Uttarakhand government, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, established a five-member expert committee. This panel was led by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
The committee was tasked with drafting the UCC and sought public input, receiving over 60,000 suggestions from various stakeholders. After extensive consultations and deliberations, the committee submitted its final report in February 2024.
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The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly passed the UCC Bill on February 7, 2024, by voice vote, signaling broad political support. Following the President’s assent in March 2024, the state government undertook preparations, including training officials and developing digital platforms to facilitate the code’s implementation.
By December 2024, Chief Minister Dhami confirmed that Uttarakhand was fully prepared to enforce the UCC from January 2025.
Key provisions of the UCC include the prohibition of practices such as polygamy, polyandry, triple talaq, and nikah halala. The code mandates the compulsory registration of marriages and live-in relationships, with penalties for non-compliance.
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It also establishes equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters, ensuring gender parity in property matters. Notably, the UCC exempts Scheduled Tribes, allowing them to continue following their customary laws.
The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand has sparked discussions nationwide. Proponents view it as a progressive step toward legal uniformity and gender equality.
