Uttarakhand is set to make history as the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with the law coming into effect on January 27, 2025. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s secretary, Shailesh Bagoli, confirmed that the official rollout will coincide with the launch of a dedicated UCC portal at 12:30 pm on that day at the state’s Secretariat.
The UCC aims to introduce a unified legal framework that will override customary laws and govern key aspects of personal law, such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance. This legal framework is intended to ensure equality across different communities and faiths, providing uniformity in essential legal matters. The move has long been advocated as part of India’s non-justiciable directive principles of state policy, but Uttarakhand will become the first state to implement it.
The announcement comes a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Dehradun. The implementation of the UCC is a key promise made by the BJP during the 2022 assembly elections, which helped the party secure a second consecutive term in power.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s Assurance
Ahead of the law’s implementation, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed concerns about the UCC’s impact, stating that the move is not intended to target any particular community. He emphasized that the UCC would provide equal rights and protection, particularly for women, who make up half of the state’s population. Dhami assured that the policy would ensure fairness and uphold the rights of all residents of the state.
Speaking with Hindustan Times, Dhami clarified, “There is no question of targeting anyone. We have made a uniform arrangement for all.” He also underscored the importance of safeguarding the rights of women through this legislation. Additionally, the CM highlighted the state’s commitment to addressing illegal immigration, particularly from Myanmar and Bangladesh, and reaffirmed the state’s stance on maintaining peace and amity among all communities.
Implementation and Its Significance
Uttarakhand’s decision to implement the UCC comes at a time when the debate on a national Uniform Civil Code has been gaining momentum. The law’s introduction is being viewed as a significant step towards ensuring legal equality, with proponents arguing that it will bring about much-needed reform in personal laws. Opponents, however, have raised concerns about its potential to infringe upon religious and cultural freedoms.
While Uttarakhand’s implementation of the UCC is a major milestone, its impact on the state’s diverse communities will unfold in the coming months. The law’s introduction will likely spark further discussions on its broader application in other regions of the country, as well as its influence on national policy decisions related to personal laws and rights.
As the UCC becomes a reality in Uttarakhand, the state’s government remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting equality, security, and justice for all its citizens, with a particular focus on ensuring that vulnerable groups are empowered and protected under the new legal framework.
Sources By Agencies