The Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand 2024 Bill was introduced in the legislative assembly of the northern Indian state. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami advocated for the proposed law, asserting its benefits for all sections of society. He stated that the initiative is in line with the vision of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing 'Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas' and 'Ek Bharat, Sreshtha Bharat'

Dhami expressed pride in Uttarakhand's pioneering step towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code, emphasizing that the state would be the first to take action in this direction. The Uttarakhand Cabinet endorsed the final draft of the UCC, which advocates uniform civil laws for all communities within the state.

Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that the Uniform Civil Code is currently under review by the Law Commission of India. He emphasized that this issue has been discussed since the Constitution's inception and mentioned that the governments of Goa and Uttarakhand have made progress on the UCC. Meghwal indicated that the government would await the Law Commission's report for further action.

A government-appointed panel, chaired by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, has compiled a comprehensive four-volume, 749-page report with numerous recommendations. The panel gathered feedback through 2.33 lakh online submissions and conducted over 70 public forums, interacting with approximately 60,000 individuals to shape the draft.

The UCC draft covers various aspects of civil life, including inheritance rights, compulsory marriage registration, and raising the marriageable age for girls to promote their education before marriage.

Additionally, couples who fail to register their marriages will lose eligibility for government benefits, indicating a push for legal documentation.

While the specifics of the draft are undisclosed, reports suggest it will establish a legal framework for marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance laws, regardless of religious affiliations.

If implemented, Uttarakhand would be the first post-independence Indian state to adopt the UCC, following the example of Goa, where it has been in place since the era of Portuguese rule.

The proposed UCC for Uttarakhand extends adoption rights to all, including Muslim women, and aims to prohibit practices like halala and iddat. It also advocates for the recognition of live-in relationships and simplification of adoption procedures. Implementation of the UCC would require registration of live-in relationships, which legal experts argue would offer benefits to both genders.

The UCC proposes equal property rights for sons and daughters, abolishes distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children, and ensures equal treatment for adopted and biological children. It also guarantees equal property rights for spouses, children, and parents in the event of a person's death, a departure from previous laws.

Image source: WION News