Uttarakhand Enacts UCC, Following Goa's Lead

The northern Indian state of Uttarakhand has implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), becoming the second state in the country to do so after Goa. The UCC aims to standardize personal laws related to marriage, divorce, and inheritance, and is seen as a step towards equality, particularly benefiting women by ending practices like polygamy and ensuring equal property rights. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that the UCC does not target any religious group and aims to eradicate social evils. The implementation includes a dedicated portal for the registration of marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships. The move aligns with the national ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) agenda, although it has sparked concerns among minority groups about potential infringement on religious freedoms. Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma indicated readiness to follow suit, focusing on banning polygamy and enforcing marriage registration laws.