Uttarakhand has officially become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a historic moment in the country’s legal landscape. The landmark legislation was officially rolled out today with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiling the UCC portal at the state secretariat, just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state.
The UCC will apply to all residents of Uttarakhand, including those living outside the state, ensuring equal rights and justice for everyone, irrespective of religion, gender, caste, or community.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that the implementation of the UCC is a significant step towards building a harmonious and unified society.
“This is a pivotal move toward creating a society based on equality, where all citizens enjoy the same rights and opportunities,” said Dhami.
He also cited previous milestones such as the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening the nation.
The UCC, passed in the Uttarakhand Assembly in February 2024, replaces the state’s previous personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships.
Key features include ensuring equal property rights for sons and daughters, prohibiting polygamy, and mandating the registration of marriages. The law also provides equal status to children born biologically, through adoption, or via surrogacy.
The UCC also aims to end gender discrimination, particularly in matters of inheritance and divorce. It grants equal property rights to the spouse and children after death, and abolishes distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children concerning property inheritance.
The Uttarakhand UCC Bill, which received Presidential assent in March 2024, marks a significant step in the state’s commitment to creating a secular, inclusive, and just society.
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