Uttarakhand receives over 1.5 lakh applications since Uniform Civil Code launch

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced on Sunday that since the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, 2025, the state has received over 1.5 lakh applications through the UCC portal.

"More than 1.5 lakh applications have been received from across the state in just four months from nearly 98 per cent of villages, indicating widespread public support for the UCC," Dhami said.

The Chief Minister explained that a robust system has been developed to implement the UCC effectively. To make the process more accessible and user-friendly, a dedicated portal and mobile app have been created.

Additionally, over 14,000 Common Service Centres (CSCs) at the village level have been integrated with the system. To resolve issues during registration, auto-escalation and grievance redressal mechanisms have also been established.

Dhami expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their guidance and support in successfully implementing the UCC. He recalled that the promise to implement the UCC was part of the 2022 Assembly election manifesto under the Prime Minister’s leadership and vision. After winning the mandate, work on the UCC began immediately.

A committee chaired by Justice Ranjana Desai was formed on May 27, 2022, to draft the UCC bill. The committee conducted extensive public consultations across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand, receiving approximately 2.32 lakh suggestions from the public, political leaders, and statutory commission heads. The state government passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Assembly on February 7, 2024, and sent it to President Droupadi Murmu, who gave her assent on March 11, 2024.

Following the completion of necessary rules and procedures, the UCC was formally implemented throughout Uttarakhand on January 27, 2025. This made Uttarakhand the first state in India to practically apply the spirit of Article 44 of the Constitution through the Uniform Civil Code.

The Chief Minister elaborated that the UCC is a constitutional initiative designed to eliminate legal discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender and to ensure equal rights for all citizens. "With its implementation, true women's empowerment in the state will be ensured." The UCC bans regressive practices such as halala, iddat, polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq. To protect their customs and traditions, Scheduled Tribes defined under Article 342 of the Constitution are excluded from the UCC’s scope.

He clarified, "The Uniform Civil Code is not against any religion or sect; rather, it is a legal step to eradicate social evils and establish harmony through equality among all citizens." This vision aligns with the Directive Principles of State Policy envisaged by the Constitution-makers. The UCC does not change core religious beliefs or practices but removes regressive customs.

Under the UCC, a uniform legal process now applies to all religions in matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Divorce must follow judicial procedures, and polygamy is fully banned. The law grants daughters equal inheritance rights across all religions and communities, and no discrimination exists among children born through natural, assisted reproductive, or live-in relationships — all have equal rights. Parents also gain rights in their children’s property, promoting economic security and dignity for the elderly.

To protect young men and women and prevent social complications and crimes, registration of live-in relationships has been made mandatory. The registrar will confidentially notify the parents or guardians of the couple registering. Similar to birth and death registrations, the UCC facilitates the registration of marriages and divorces.

Alongside the UCC’s implementation, a clear and effective framework for enforcement has also been established to ensure smooth functioning.