Uttarakhand Leads the Way as UCC Bill Tabled in Assembly Amidst Opposition

In a historic move, Uttarakhand has taken a significant step towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with the state government tabling the UCC bill in the assembly. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed this development as a moment of pride for the state, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring equal rights for all citizens.

Key Points:

1. UCC Implementation:

• The tabling of the UCC bill in the Uttarakhand assembly marks a crucial milestone in the state’s journey towards adopting a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession for all citizens.
• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reaffirmed the government’s dedication to implementing the UCC, emphasizing the importance of equal rights and the need to uphold constitutional principles.

1. BJP’s Electoral Promise:

• The BJP had pledged to introduce the UCC during the 2022 Assembly elections in Uttarakhand, positioning it as a key agenda alongside other ideological promises such as the construction of the Ram temple and the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
• The introduction of the UCC bill reflects the party’s commitment to fulfilling its electoral promises and advancing its agenda of socio-legal reforms.

1. Opposition’s Response:

• The opposition, represented by Congress leader Yashpal Arya, clarified that they are not inherently against the UCC bill but criticized the government for disregarding procedural norms and attempting to stifle dissent.
• Congress leader Harish Rawat accused the ruling dispensation of bypassing established protocols and called for a more transparent and inclusive approach to legislative proceedings.

1. Legal Framework and Recommendations:

• The UCC bill is based on the recommendations of a committee led by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, which proposed significant changes to existing legal frameworks governing personal matters.
• The bill advocates for equal rights for women in inheritance, divorce, and adoption, along with measures to address issues such as polygamy and child marriage.

1. National Implications:

• Uttarakhand’s initiative to implement the UCC has broader national implications, with other BJP-ruled states like Gujarat and Assam also expressing intentions to adopt similar measures.
• The move underscores the BJP’s commitment to its ideological agenda and sets a precedent for other states to follow suit in promoting uniformity and equality in civil laws.

As the debate over the UCC bill unfolds in the assembly, Uttarakhand’s leadership in advancing legal reforms serves as a testament to the state’s progressive outlook and commitment to constitutional values.