In a landmark move, the Uttarakhand state Assembly swiftly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill a day after its introduction by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, making Uttarakhand the first state in the country to implement such a comprehensive legal framework. The UCC encompasses common laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance of property, and more, bringing uniformity and clarity to previously disparate legal systems.
The bill, now set to become law, is based on the draft prepared by a high-level committee chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana P Desai, appointed by the Uttarakhand government. Its passage signifies a significant step towards streamlining legal procedures and ensuring equal treatment under the law for all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliations.
The timing of the UCC’s implementation is noteworthy, coinciding with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Reports indicate that the Union Government is considering similar legislation at the national level, with BJP-ruled states like Gujarat and Assam already advancing in the process of enacting UCC laws in their respective territories.
For the Bharatiya Janata Party, the adoption of the Uniform Civil Code represents a long-standing objective, aligning with key elements of its agenda alongside the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The UCC establishes a common legal framework for matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, previously governed by disparate personal laws dictated by religion. Notably, the code prohibits practices like bigamy and polygamy, ensuring adherence to monogamous principles.
In a gesture towards inclusivity, the Uttarakhand government has clarified that members of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) community will be exempt from the UCC’s provisions. This exemption ensures the protection of customary rights enshrined in the Constitution for STs, reflecting a nuanced approach to legal reform.
The passage of the UCC Bill in Uttarakhand marks a significant stride towards a more equitable and harmonized legal system, setting a precedent for other states and potentially catalyzing broader national reforms.
