Law & Governance

Uttarakhand Becomes First State to Implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand made history by becoming the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) post-independence. This landmark legislation creates a common set of personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships for all citizens, irrespective of religion or community.

⚖️ Key Features of the UCC

• Uniform Age for Marriage:
  • 21 years for men, 18 years for women.
• Polygamy Banned:
  Applies uniformly to all communities.
• Mandatory Registration:
  • Marriage, divorce, and live-in relationships must be registered for legal validity.

❌ Abolition of Halala and Iddat

• Halala: The UCC bans the practice of requiring a woman to marry another man before remarrying her former husband.
• Iddat: The mandatory waiting period after divorce or a spouse’s death has also been abolished.

These changes aim to protect women’s rights and promote gender justice.

🏡 Legal Rights in Inheritance

• Equal Inheritance for Genders:
  Men and women will now inherit property equally, regardless of religious background.
• Children of Live-in Relationships:
  They receive the same legal rights as those born in wedlock — a major step toward social inclusion.

🌐 Online Portal for Registration

• A new online portal has been launched to enable easy registration of marriage, divorce, and live-in relationships.
• Users can apply from home, track applications, and receive updates via SMS or email.

🛑 Exemptions and Applicability

• Applies to all residents of Uttarakhand, including those living outside the state.
• Scheduled Tribes and certain protected communities are exempt, respecting their cultural autonomy.

📣 Public Reaction and Consultation

• The UCC received mixed public reactions:
  • Supporters hail it as a step toward equality and modernisation.
  • Critics warn of potential social friction and implementation hurdles.
• The draft was shaped through consultations with over 2.3 lakh people, ensuring a broad democratic process.

The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand is a defining moment in Indian legal reform — sparking national debate and likely paving the way for future discussions in other states.