• Source:JND
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The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is set to be implemented in Uttarakhand on January 27, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Dehradun, reported Dainik Jagran. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will inaugurate the UCC portal at the Secretariat at 12:30 PM on the same day, marking the official rollout of the new law. A notification confirming the implementation will also be issued on January 27, the report stated.

The UCC introduces significant reforms, including mandatory marriage registration and changes to rules governing live-in relationships, children born out of such relationships and family laws. The legislation simplifies existing laws by replacing the Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act and Muslim Personal Law Act. Practices such as polygamy, polyandry, halala, iddat and triple talaq will be invalidated under the new provisions.

The BJP government in Uttarakhand stated that the UCC aims to empower women, unify societal norms and protect individual rights. The BJP emphasised that this reform positions Uttarakhand as a model state for the nation.

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The UCC also introduced a special provision for defence personnel called the "privileged will," which can be made in writing or orally. This provision aims to address the unique needs of soldiers, air force personnel and mariners engaged in expeditions, warfare or at sea, according to an official familiar with the UCC's details, reported news agency PTI.

Under the privileged will provision, flexibility is ensured. A will can be written entirely by the testator in their own handwriting, without requiring a signature or attestation. Alternatively, it may be written by another person, signed by the testator and still not require attestation. Even if unsigned, the will remains valid if it is proven to have been created under the testator’s instructions and acknowledged as their will.

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Meanwhile, addressing concerns raised by the Congress regarding the exclusion of tribal communities, BJP said that the drafting committee and the assembly had resolved these issues during deliberations. He noted that certain legal obligations protect tribal rights at the central level but indicated openness to their inclusion if tribal societies reach a unanimous agreement in the future.