Uttarakhand Becomes First State to Implement Uniform Civil Code

The Uttarakhand government has made history by becoming the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The landmark legislation, titled The Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand, 2024, officially came into force on January 27, 2025, following a notification issued by the state government.

Key Highlights

• Governor’s Notification: The implementation was formalised through a notification by the Governor under Section 1(2) of the UCC Act.
• President’s Assent: The Bill received presidential assent from Droupadi Murmu last year, clearing the path for its enforcement.
• Legislative Approval: The Uttarakhand State Assembly had passed the Bill on February 7, 2024, following recommendations by a five-member expert panel.
• Expert Panel: The panel was chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, a former Supreme Court judge, who submitted the final report to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

UCC Features and Scope

• The Act comprises 392 sections under seven schedules, based on a 750-page draft spread across four volumes.
• The UCC consolidates various personal laws into a single framework, aiming to streamline legal provisions across different faiths and customs.
• The code addresses relationships, marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, while accommodating customary practices where applicable.

Inauguration and Application Portal

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the UCC rules manual and launched an application portal at his camp office in Dehradun. The portal will facilitate access to the rules and ensure efficient implementation.

Historical Context

The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand is a significant step toward achieving uniformity in civil laws across India. It reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring equality, justice, and consistency in personal laws, regardless of religion or gender.