Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill: Key Points and Recent Development

Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill: Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill: Key Points and Recent Developments

Uttarakhand recently made history by becoming the first state in India to pass a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill. Here's a summary of the key points and recent developments:

What is the UCC Bill?

• The UCC Bill aims to standardize personal laws related to marriage, inheritance, succession, and adoption for all communities in Uttarakhand (except scheduled tribes).

• This means replacing existing personal laws based on religion with a common set of rules for all citizens.

Key provisions of the Bill:

• Marriage:

• Minimum age of marriage set at 21 for men and 18 for women.

• Registration of marriages and divorces made mandatory.

• Polygamy and child marriage prohibited.

• Inheritance:

• Equal rights for sons and daughters in ancestral property.

• Elimination of distinction between "legitimate" and "illegitimate" children.

• Other provisions:

• Registration of live-in relationships mandated, granting children born from such relationships legal rights.

• Similar grounds and procedures for divorce across communities.

• Ban on practices like "Halala" and "Iddat".

Current status:

• The Bill was passed by the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024.

• However, it still needs to be approved by the President of India before becoming law.

• The Bill faces potential legal challenges as it may be seen as infringing upon religious rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

Reactions to the Bill:

• Supporters:

• View it as a step towards achieving equality and reducing religious discrimination.

• Believe it will simplify legal processes and promote gender justice.

• Opponents:

• Express concerns that it undermines religious minorities' cultural and personal traditions.

• Argue that it may not be truly uniform as it exempts scheduled tribes.