Uniform Civil Code Bill To Hit Uttarakhand Assembly Floor For Discussion Today

The Uttarakhand Assembly is set to deliberate on the final draft of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) today, following its approval by the state cabinet. If passed, Uttarakhand will become the first state in post-Independence India to implement the Uniform Civil Code, with several other BJP-ruled states, such as Assam and Madhya Pradesh, expressing interest in similar legislation. Goa has had a common civil code since its time under Portuguese rule.

उत्तराखण्ड की देवतुल्य जनता के समक्ष रखे गए संकल्प के अनुरूप समान नागरिक संहिता लागू करने की दिशा में आगे बढ़ते हुए आज देहरादून में UCC ड्राफ्ट तैयार करने के उद्देश्य से गठित कमेटी से मसौदा प्राप्त हुआ।

आगामी विधानसभा सत्र में समान नागरिक संहिता का विधेयक पेश किया जाएगा और… pic.twitter.com/XaEdf5ynqB

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) February 2, 2024

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The Uniform Civil Code aims to establish a uniform set of laws applicable to all Indian citizens, irrespective of religion, addressing aspects like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

The draft bill proposed for consideration in the assembly includes provisions for a complete ban on polygamy and enables live-in couples to register their relationships. Additionally, adoption rights will be granted to all individuals, and equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters are to be instated. There are also provisions on the ban of Halala and Iddat, while the draft does not include population control measures in its scope.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had advocated for a Uniform Civil Code in June last year, highlighting the necessity of a single set of laws for all citizens.

The draft legislation was formulated earlier this year by a committee established by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The committee engaged with over 2 lakh citizens and stakeholders to gather input.

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The introduction of a Uniform Civil Code was a significant electoral promise made by Chief Minister Dhami during the 2022 assembly elections. He anticipates that other states will emulate Uttarakhand's initiative and utilise the state's framework to implement the UCC.