Uttarakhand Makes History: Assembly Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill

GG News Bureau
Dehradun, 7th Feb. In a historic move, the Uttarakhand Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, making Uttarakhand the first state in post-independence India to enact such legislation. Previously, only Goa had a UCC, established by the Portuguese in 1867.

The UCC Bill was introduced in the Assembly by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, emphasizing the state’s commitment to equality and progress.

Chief Minister Dhami remarked, “It is a moment of pride for all the people of the state that we will be known as the first state in the country to move towards implementing UCC.”

Some notable provisions of the UCC include equal property rights for sons and daughters, eliminating distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children, and ensuring equal property rights post-death.

Additionally, the bill mandates the registration of live-in relationships, granting legitimacy to children born from such unions and providing deserted women with entitlements to maintenance from their partners. Other significant measures include a ban on polygamy and child marriage, uniform marriageable age for girls across all faiths, and standardized grounds and procedures for divorce.

The UCC exempts the small tribal community in the hill state from its provisions, ensuring sensitivity to diverse cultural contexts.

The passage of the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill signifies the realization of a crucial political agenda by the BJP, particularly with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections on the horizon.

This landmark legislation underscores Uttarakhand’s commitment to progressive governance and equitable social norms, setting a precedent for other states to follow.