Uttarakhand becomes first Indian state to implement Uniform Civil Code

In a landmark decision, Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), effective January 27, 2025. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the move, emphasizing its aim to ensure equality in personal civil matters that have historically been influenced by caste, religion, and gender-based discrimination.

Sharing the development on X, CM Dhami said, “The UCC is a significant step toward a harmonious and self-reliant nation, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed and unified India. All necessary preparations, including approval of the rules and training of officials, have been completed.”

The UCC will address personal laws related to marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance, ensuring equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens. Marriage registration will now be mandatory for all couples within 60 days of solemnization. The Act also provides recognition for marriages solemnized before March 26, 2010, or outside Uttarakhand, with a six-month window for registration.

The UCC excludes Scheduled Tribes and certain protected communities but applies to all other residents of Uttarakhand, including those living outside the state.

CM Dhami highlighted that the implementation fulfills a key promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2022 assembly elections. Citing Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which advocates for a uniform civil code as part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, Dhami said the Act reinforces the vision of creating a just and equitable society.

With this historic step, Uttarakhand has set a precedent for the nation by enacting a long-debated law aimed at promoting uniformity in personal civil matters and upholding constitutional values of equality and justice.