Uttarakhand Moves Toward Implementing Uniform Civil Code

In a significant development, the Uttarakhand government has taken a crucial step towards the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) with the submission of a draft document to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The draft, prepared by a five-member committee led by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, outlines a legal framework that aims to standardize laws related to marriage, divorce, property, and inheritance for all citizens, regardless of their religion. This move is poised to make Uttarakhand the first state in India to adopt such a code post-Independence, following Goa where the UCC has been in effect since the Portuguese era.

The submission of the draft UCC to the Chief Minister marks a milestone in the state’s legislative process, with a special four-day session of the Uttarakhand Assembly scheduled from February 5-8 to deliberate and potentially pass the legislation. The draft will undergo a review by the state Cabinet before it is presented as a bill in the Assembly, signaling a structured approach to its enactment. This initiative follows the BJP’s promise to the electorate during the 2022 Assembly elections, emphasizing the party’s commitment to its pre-election pledges.

The committee’s extensive preparation process, which began in May 2022, involved gathering over 2.33 lakh written suggestions and conducting 60 meetings to interact with roughly 60,000 people. This thorough engagement reflects the government’s efforts to incorporate diverse perspectives and ensure a comprehensive understanding of the implications of the UCC. As the state gears up for the legislative session, the eyes of the nation are on Uttarakhand, potentially setting a precedent for uniform civil laws across India.

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