Uttarakhand has moved a step closer to becoming the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved the UCC panel’s draft report. This decision follows the submission of the report by the five-member UCC committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, just two days ago.
The development sets the stage for a special two-day assembly session, scheduled to discuss the UCC’s implementation. The report is slated to be tabled in the assembly on Tuesday, with the ruling BJP party holding 47 out of 70 seats, ensuring a smooth passage of the UCC bill.
The legislation will then undergo scrutiny by the Governor, the state’s constitutional head. Upon approval, it will officially become law. The UCC’s implementation was a key promise in the BJP’s manifesto during the 2022 Uttarakhand assembly elections, which the party subsequently won in a re-election.
Background on UCC:
The Uniform Civil Code entails a unified set of laws that supersede customary laws across various faiths and tribes, regulating matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance. This common code aims to provide uniformity in personal laws, irrespective of one’s religious or tribal background.
As outlined in the Constitution of India, the UCC is part of the non-justiciable directive principles of state policy. The move by Uttarakhand to implement the UCC is a significant step, and the state may soon lead the way in adopting this uniform legal framework.
Notably, the UCC has been a longstanding demand, and its introduction could impact diverse communities, considering the state’s religious and tribal diversity. As discussions unfold during the assembly session, the focus will likely be on ensuring that the UCC is fair, inclusive, and respects the principles of justice and equality.
Discover more from The Doon Mozaic
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.
One thought on “Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves UCC Draft”