The introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand marks a significant step towards unifying personal laws across different communities. On Friday, a committee led by former Chief Secretary Shatrughan Singh submitted draft rules for the implementation of the UCC to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami at the Secretariat.
This development has generated interest and discussion about the potential impact of the UCC on the state's legal landscape. Chief Minister Dhami confirmed receipt of the draft rules and announced that a cabinet meeting would soon be convened to determine the date for implementing the UCC.
The government aims to enforce the UCC by November 9, coinciding with Uttarakhand's Foundation Day. This ambitious timeline reflects the government's commitment to advancing this legislation.
The journey towards the UCC began in 2022 when the Uttarakhand government established an expert committee tasked with drafting the Uniform Civil Code.
The draft legislation was passed in the State Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024, and received the President of India’s assent in March, paving the way for the enactment of the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024.
To ensure effective implementation, a “Rules and Implementation Committee” was formed, with Shatrughan Singh at the helm. This committee worked diligently to present the draft rules to the government. The rules have been prepared in both Hindi and English, ensuring accessibility for the diverse population of Uttarakhand.
The draft rulebook is structured into four main sections. These cover essential aspects such as marriage and divorce registration, live-in relationships, birth and death registrations, and succession rules.
One of the key features of the proposed law is the mandatory registration of live-in relationships, which aims to provide legal recognition and protection for couples living together outside of marriage.
Furthermore, the legislation explicitly prohibits child marriage and introduces a standardized process for divorce, thereby seeking to safeguard individual rights and promote social justice.
In a bid to enhance accessibility, the government has developed a dedicated portal and mobile app. These digital platforms will facilitate online registrations and provide a mechanism for individuals to appeal decisions, making the UCC more user-friendly.
Chief Minister Dhami expressed the government’s commitment to the implementation of the UCC, emphasising its goal of fostering social unity. He stated that the law is designed not to target any specific community, countering the narrative that such measures are divisive.
Dhami pointed out that historical practices of appeasement have led to societal divisions along religious and class lines, and the UCC aims to address these issues by creating a uniform legal framework applicable to all.
Shatrughan Singh, the committee chairman, reflected on the committee's work, noting that they had included all necessary recommendations in their report.
He indicated that the ball is now in the state government’s court regarding which recommendations will be adopted. With the committee's work concluded, the focus now shifts to the government's next steps in finalizing and implementing the UCC.
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