President Droupadi Murmu has sanctioned the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code or UCC Bill, setting the stage for its enactment throughout the state.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami himself disseminated this confirmation via the social media platform X, formerly recognized as Twitter.
“It is an occasion of profound elation and dignity for all denizens of the region that the Uniform Civil Code Bill, sanctioned by our administration in the Uttarakhand Assembly, has garnered endorsement from the esteemed President Droupadi Murmu.
“Assuredly, with the enforcement of the Uniform Civil Code statute within the region, in conjunction with bestowing equal entitlements to all inhabitants, the subjugation of women will also be restrained. The Uniform Civil Code is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering concord by exemplifying the significance of societal parity within the state. Aligned with the vision of esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our administration is resolute in safeguarding the welfare of the populace and upholding the pristine essence of Uttarakhand,” articulated Dhami in the post on X.
Salient Features of UCC
Following the implementation of UCC in Uttarakhand, compulsory marriage registration will be obligatory. Failure to register will render individuals ineligible for government provisions. Second marriage will be categorically prohibited as long as both spouses are alive. Moreover, should either partner undergo a religious conversion without the other’s acquiescence, the latter will possess full prerogative to seek dissolution of the union and claim maintenance. The minimum marriageable age across all faiths has been standardized to 21 years for males and 18 years for females. In the event of divorce or domestic discord between spouses, custody of children up to the age of five shall vest with the mother. Equal rights have been conferred upon spouses of all denominations for seeking divorce. The practice of Halala and Iddat, prevalent in the Muslim community, will be proscribed. Daughters shall inherit equitable shares of property across all religions and communities. Distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate offspring with respect to property entitlements shall be eradicated. Illegitimate progeny shall be accorded the same status as biological children of the respective couple. Following demise, spouses and offspring shall inherit property rights equally. Parents shall also enjoy parity with regard to property entitlements alongside spouses and offspring. Protection of the fetus in utero has been formally enshrined within property laws. Registration shall be mandatory for cohabitation arrangements in Uttarakhand. Upon registration, the registrar shall notify the parents or guardians of the cohabiting couple. Children born of cohabiting relationships shall be deemed legitimate offspring of the respective couple, thereby inheriting all privileges of biological progeny.
The Uttarakhand government recently convened a special session of the Assembly and successfully ushered the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code 2024 Bill through the legislative body. Uttarakhand is poised to become the pioneering state in India to enforce UCC.
During the 2022 Assembly elections in Uttarakhand, incumbent Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami championed the cause of UCC, pledging its realization to the electorate. Dhami convened a five-member committee under the stewardship of retired Supreme Court justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. Subsequent to deliberating upon numerous suggestions, the committee formulated the definitive draft of the UCC Bill, which was ratified by the Dhami-led administration in the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 7.