Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the official implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state on Monday, January 27. This move makes Uttarakhand the first Indian state to adopt the UCC, a significant policy reform aimed at ensuring uniform legal standards for all citizens, irrespective of religion, gender, or community.
The UCC has been a divisive topic in Indian politics, with strong backing from the BJP and opposition from other political parties, including Congress. Here’s a breakdown of what the implementation of UCC means for Uttarakhand and its residents.
What Is the Uniform Civil Code?
The UCC establishes a unified legal framework for various personal matters, including marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, live-in relationships, and adoption. It is designed to replace religious-based personal laws and ensure uniformity in legal procedures across the state.
Key Provisions of UCC in Uttarakhand:
- Marriage Registration:
- All marriages conducted after UCC implementation must be registered within 60 days.
- Marriages before March 26, 2010, or those solemnized outside Uttarakhand, can be registered within six months, but registration is not mandatory.
- Age of Marriage:
- The legal age for marriage remains 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
- Ban on Polygamy and Halala:
- The UCC bans practices like polygamy and ‘Nikah Halala’ to promote gender equality.
- Live-In Relationship Registration:
- For the first time, live-in relationships will require formal registration, a move expected to spark debate, particularly among younger demographics.
- Wills and Inheritance:
- UCC introduces a standardized framework for creating and canceling wills and supplementary documents, known as codicils.
- Special Provisions for Soldiers:
- Flexible provisions for drafting “privilege wills” will apply to soldiers, airmen, and sailors engaged in expeditions or wars.
Impact and Reactions:
The UCC is expected to create uniformity in legal practices and eliminate gender and religious-based disparities. However, it has sparked varied reactions across political and social groups. While BJP supporters hail it as a step towards equality and modernization, critics argue it may disregard cultural diversity and traditional practices.
The registration of live-in relationships and mandatory marriage registrations are likely to evoke significant public debate, particularly among younger residents.