Noida, 10 August 2024: The Uttarakhand government has finalized its preparations to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with plans to roll it out in the first week of October 2024. This landmark legislation aims to establish a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships for all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
Legislative Background
The UCC was passed by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024, making the state the first in India to enact such a code. The bill received presidential assent on March 13, 2024, and has since been the subject of extensive public discourse and scrutiny. The initiative aligns with Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which encourages the establishment of a uniform civil code across the country.
Key Features of the UCC
The UCC is structured into four main parts:
- Marriage and Divorce: The code mandates compulsory registration of marriages within 60 days and sets the legal marriage age at 21 for men and 18 for women. It effectively abolishes polygamy and child marriage, requiring court intervention for divorce.
- Succession and Inheritance: The law introduces a uniform scheme for inheritance, ensuring equal rights for sons and daughters and eliminating distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children. The government will inherit estates in the absence of legal heirs.
- Live-In Relationships: The UCC recognizes live-in relationships, requiring them to be registered. Partners in such relationships can claim maintenance in case of abandonment.
- Miscellaneous Provisions: The code aims to simplify legal procedures and eliminate outdated stereotypes, promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of women.
Government’s Rationale
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that the UCC seeks to promote equality, uniformity, and equal rights for all citizens. He stated that the legislation is not intended to target any specific religion or community but aims to foster social harmony and justice.
Criticism and Controversy
Despite the government’s optimistic outlook, the UCC has faced criticism from various quarters. Opposition parties and several civil rights organizations have raised concerns about the potential implications of the code, particularly regarding its exclusion of Scheduled Tribes. Critics argue that the UCC could exacerbate social tensions and undermine the pluralistic fabric of Indian society. Yashpal Arya, an opposition lawmaker, described the UCC as a politically motivated move ahead of the national elections scheduled for April-May 2024. He accused the government of rushing the bill’s passage without adequate public consultation.
Implementation Timeline
The Uttarakhand government is currently in the process of finalizing the rules and regulations necessary for the UCC’s implementation. Officials have indicated that they aim to complete this process by October 2024, ensuring that the law is fully operational by then.
