Uttarakhand Assembly Passes Uniform Civil Code Bill: A Landmark Legislation

The Uttarakhand Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code bill, marking a significant departure from religious personal laws governing marriage, relationships, and inheritance. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced the contentious legislation, which has now made Uttarakhand the first state in India to enact such a law.

Dhami emphasized that the bill was crafted in accordance with the Constitution, citing Article 44, which grants states the authority to introduce the Uniform Civil Code. He reassured, “This law is of equality, uniformity, and equal rights. There were many doubts regarding this but the two-day discussion in the assembly clarified everything. This law is not against anyone.”

The Uniform Civil Code was a key promise in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s manifesto during the 2022 Uttarakhand Assembly elections. Dhami affirmed that the law would be implemented following the President’s assent, emphasizing its focus on empowering women and ensuring their holistic development.

However, the Leader of Opposition, Yashpal Arya, raised concerns about the legislative process, alleging that rules were not followed for the bill’s passage. Despite objections, the bill was pushed through without being sent to a Select Committee for further examination.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has pledged that his state will be the second to implement the Uniform Civil Code law.

**Key Provisions of the Uniform Civil Code Bill:**

– Compulsory registration of live-in relationships within one month of initiation, with consent required from parents.

– Complete prohibition of child marriage.

– Introduction of a uniform process for divorce.

– Equal rights to women of all religions in ancestral property.

– Fixed minimum marriage age: 18 for women, 21 for men.

The passage of the Uniform Civil Code bill in Uttarakhand heralds a new era of legal uniformity and gender equality, setting a precedent for other states to follow suit.