Uttarakhand Leads as the First State to Adopt the Uniform Civil Code

On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a significant development in the country's legal and social framework. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who emphasized that the UCC aims to provide equal rights and responsibilities to all citizens, irrespective of their religion, caste, or gender.

Key Provisions of the UCC

The UCC introduces uniformity in personal laws relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession across communities, except Scheduled Tribes. Some of the key provisions of the UCC in Uttarakhand include:

• Mandatory Registration: Marriages and live-in relationships must be legally registered.
• Equal Inheritance Rights: Sons and daughters now have equal rights over parental property.
• Prohibition of Polygamy: The practice of having multiple spouses is banned under the new law.
• Declaration of Legal Heirs: Legal heirs must provide proof of age, residency, and relationship. Witnesses must record self-videos reading out declarations. Fees are determined by the State Government and payable digitally.
• Testamentary Succession (Will/Codicil): Wills can be created, altered, revoked, and registered online. Online registration requires Aadhaar authentication. Executors, legatees, and authorized persons may register the Will posthumously.

These provisions aim to eliminate gender-based discrimination and standardize personal laws across different religious communities.

Journey Towards UCC Implementation

The process of implementing the UCC in Uttarakhand began in 2022 when the state government formed a five-member expert committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, to draft the legislation. The committee conducted widespread consultations, gathering over 2.3 lakh public responses before submitting its final report in February 2024. Following the report, the state cabinet approved the draft, and the legislative assembly passed the bill on February 7, 2024.

Constitutional Basis and Justification

Chief Minister Dhami stated that the implementation of the UCC aligns with Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which advocates for a uniform civil code for all citizens. He described the move as a tribute to the framers of the Constitution, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and emphasized that the law would particularly benefit women by ensuring equal civil and constitutional rights.

Debates and Reactions

While many have praised the UCC as a progressive step toward legal uniformity and gender justice, it has also sparked debates. Supporters argue that the UCC promotes equality, social integration, and legal clarity. Critics, however, express concerns about its impact on religious freedoms and cultural traditions, particularly for minority communities.

A notable aspect of the UCC is the exemption of Scheduled Tribes, allowing them to continue following their customary laws in personal matters. This exemption addresses concerns about the preservation of tribal customs and traditions.

Implications for Other States

Uttarakhand’s move to implement the UCC has set a precedent that may encourage other states to adopt similar reforms. If more states follow suit, this could pave the way for a nationwide implementation of a uniform civil code, a longstanding issue of debate in Indian governance and legal policy.

Click Here to understand the Uniform Civil Code Rules Uttarakhand, 2025

Conclusion

The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand is a landmark step in Indian legal history. While it has been met with both appreciation and criticism, its long-term impact on personal laws and civil rights in India remains to be seen. This move could potentially shape future legal reforms and set a model for other states to consider.