PrashantNews
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been constructed and the Article 370 abrogated but the BJP at the centre is yet to bring the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) despite repeated attempts.
The saffron party has done all its level best to bring the UCC as a secular civil code since 2014. But the party’s plans haven’t worked so far and it was forced to put this controversial issue on the back burner due to different reasons at different times.
In his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of the Red Fort in 2024, Prime Minister Modi had strongly advocated for the implementation of the secular UCC dubbing the current provisions as communal.
But in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken a lead to win some brownie points by implementing the UCC. In his speech, Dhami was politically right when he said Jan 27 was historic not only for Uttarakhand but for the entire nation. He emphasized that the UCC has been introduced to establish equality in society, making Uttarakhand the first state in India to implement this legal provision.
At a ceremony held at the Mukhya Sevak Sadan at the CM’s residence in Dehradun, the Chief Minister launched the UCC notification electronically, inaugurated the UCC portal (ucc.uk.gov.in), and released the UCC Rulebook too.
On this occasion, Chief Secretary Radha Raturi handed over the first UCC marriage registration certificate to the Chief Minister, who personally registered his marriage under the UCC. The CM also distributed certificates to the first five applicants who registered under the UCC act.
Much before the UCC came into effect in the hill state, an expert committee drafted the provision after consulting 2.35 lakh individuals. By implementing the UCC, the state government has also tried to pay tribute to the Constitution’s architect, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who wanted to bring the UCC.
The CM in his public speeches has stated that the implementation of the UCC would ensure equal constitutional and civil rights for all citizens, including women of all religions.
Fulfilled Promise
During the launch of the UCC, the CM recalled that during the Uttarakhand Assembly elections 2022, he had promised to implement the UCC. Despite skepticism, he was confident that the people of Uttarakhand would support this initiative through a positive vote. After forming the government in 2022, the first decision taken by the Dhami government was to implement the UCC.
The Chief Minister explained that the UCC is a constitutional measure aimed at eliminating legal discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. It ensures equal rights for all citizens, promotes women’s safety and empowerment, and prohibits practices like halala, triple talaq, and iddat. Scheduled Tribes listed under Article 342 of the Constitution are exempted to protect their customs. No registration fees will be charged for marriages, divorces, or annulments registered under the UCC for the first six months.
Not Against Any Religion
The CM has categorically clarified that the UCC is not against any religion or sect. It aims to eradicate social evils and establish equality. The UCC allows individuals to follow their religious customs during marriages while ensuring uniform rules for marriage, divorce, and inheritance. The legal marriage age is now 21 for men and 18 for women and polygamy is prohibited. The UCC also guarantees equal property rights for daughters and safeguards children’s rights.
Online Registration Under UCC
Acknowledging modern requirements, the CM announced that registration for live-in relationships is now mandatory, with registrars required to inform parents or guardians confidentially. Children born out of live-in relationships will also have equal rights. The UCC has introduced a simplified online registration system to ensure convenience for citizens.
January 27 to Be Celebrated as UCC Day
The Chief Minister declared that January 27 will be observed annually as Uniform Civil Code Day in Uttarakhand. He noted that just as Article 370, triple talaq, and the Ram Temple were resolved under PM Modi’s leadership, the implementation of UCC marks another milestone.
Congress party’s stand
Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Congress chief spokesperson Garima Mehra Dasoni said that the enthusiasm that is being seen in the government and the ruling party regarding the UCC is missing in the state.
Garima said that UCC has never been a public demand of Uttarakhand and implementing it in the state seems more of a political maneuver than a social necessity. Dasoni said the provisions of the Hindu Marriage Act 1955, Hindu Succession Act 1956 and Indian Succession Act 1925 have been included in the code but the civil codes of minority communities like Christians, Muslims, Parsis and Sikhs have been suppressed.
Garima claimed that a controversial provision of the UCC stipulates that persons residing in Uttarakhand for just one year will be considered residents of the state. This clause directly contradicts the demands of the Uttarakhand Domiciles, which have long been demanding recognition of a cut-off year to define domicile.