Uttarakhand Adopts Uniform Civil Code

Uttarakhand is set to become the first state in India to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), following the presentation of the final draft by a committee led by Shatrughna Singh to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The UCC aims to provide equal rights across various communities by streamlining laws related to marriage, divorce, succession, and live-in relationships, ensuring inclusivity and gender equality. Key provisions include the prohibition of child marriage, a uniform divorce process, and equal rights for women in ancestral property, with a marriage age set at 18 for women and 21 for men. The state government plans to review the draft before presenting it to the cabinet for final approval, with a meeting scheduled to discuss the guidelines. This move fulfills a significant promise made by the BJP during the 2022 elections, showcasing a commitment to legal reform and social justice in the state. If enacted, the UCC will replace existing personal laws rooted in religious customs, advancing a secular legal framework for all citizens.