Uttarakhand Advances Towards Uniform Civil Code Implementation

In a significant development, the Uttarakhand government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, is poised to introduce the Uniform Civil Code Uttarakhand 2024 Bill (UCC) in the state’s legislative assembly. This move marks a crucial step towards the implementation of uniform civil laws for all communities in the state. Here are the key highlights:

1. Formation of Drafting Panel:

• In 2022, the Uttarakhand government constituted a panel led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai to draft the UCC. The panel, comprising legal experts and social activists, meticulously prepared a comprehensive report of over 740 pages, incorporating feedback from lakhs of individuals through written submissions, online platforms, public forums, and outreach programs.

2. Cabinet Approval and Legislative Process:

• On Sunday, the Uttarakhand Cabinet granted approval to the final draft of the UCC, signaling the government’s commitment to advancing legal reforms aimed at ensuring equality and justice for all citizens.
• The UCC bill is scheduled to be tabled in the state’s legislative assembly during the ongoing special four-day session. If passed, the bill will then be sent to the governor for approval, following which it will be enacted into law.

3. Public Participation and Dialogue:

• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that the formulation of the UCC Bill was guided by extensive public dialogue, deliberation, and feedback from diverse stakeholders. Over 60,000 individuals actively engaged in the process, contributing valuable insights and recommendations.

4. Key Provisions of the UCC Bill:

• The UCC Uttarakhand 2024 Bill encompasses several progressive provisions aimed at promoting gender equality, safeguarding children’s rights, and ensuring fair inheritance practices.
• Notable features of the bill include a ban on polygamy and child marriage, equal property rights for sons and daughters, elimination of distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children, and equal property rights for adopted and biological children.

5. Fulfillment of Electoral Promise:

• The introduction of the UCC Bill underscores the BJP government’s commitment to fulfilling its electoral promises, as outlined in the party’s manifesto for the 2022 assembly elections. It reflects the government’s proactive approach towards addressing socio-legal issues and promoting inclusive governance.

As Uttarakhand progresses towards enacting the Uniform Civil Code, the state sets a precedent for promoting uniformity, equality, and justice in civil laws, reaffirming its commitment to constitutional values and principles of social justice.