In a move that marks a significant milestone in Indian legal reform, the Uttarakhand Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, has given its nod to the final draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). This decision paves the way for the introduction and deliberation of the UCC in the state Assembly, with a special four-day session dedicated to this purpose starting Monday. The final draft, a comprehensive document spanning 740 pages across four volumes, was crafted by a five-member panel chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.

A Leap Towards Legal Uniformity and Gender Equality

The UCC, once implemented, promises to revolutionize the legal landscape in Uttarakhand by establishing uniform laws governing marriage, divorce, property rights, and inheritance that apply to all citizens, regardless of their religious background. This legislative reform aims to ensure equality across the board, with specific provisions for:

– Uniform divorce laws across all religions.

– Standardized rules for post-divorce alimony.

– A universal law for adoption applicable to all religious groups.

– Equal rights for daughters in property division across all religions.

– Protection for women’s rights in interfaith or intercaste marriages.

– A set marriage age of 18 for girls across all religions.

– Mandatory registration of live-in relationships.

– Exemption of tribal populations from the UCC.

– Implementation of a one-spouse rule for everyone.

From Promise to Policy: Fulfilling Electoral Commitments

The introduction of the UCC in Uttarakhand is seen as the fulfillment of a pivotal promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2022 Assembly elections. Following a resounding electoral victory, Chief Minister Dhami thanked the public for their overwhelming support for the UCC initiative. The swift formation of a special committee to draft the UCC underscores the government’s commitment to legal reform and women’s empowerment.

A Historic Step Forward

The adoption of the UCC in Uttarakhand will not only honor the state’s commitment to legal and social reform but also position it as a pioneer in the implementation of such a comprehensive legal framework post-independence, following the example set by Goa during the Portuguese era. The committee responsible for drafting the UCC engaged with nearly sixty thousand individuals and reviewed approximately 2.33 lakh written suggestions, reflecting a broad consensus and the participatory nature of this landmark legislative process.

  BJP, India, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand