Uttarakhand to implement Uniform Civil Code today

Uttarakhand is set to make history as the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) today, January 27.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the state has completed all necessary preparations for the rollout, including approval of the Act’s rules and training of officials responsible for its implementation.

Highlighting the significance of this development, CM Dhami emphasized that the UCC aims to ensure uniformity in personal civil laws, eliminating discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, or other factors.

प्रिय प्रदेशवासियों,

राज्य में 27 जनवरी 2025 से समान नागरिक संहिता (यूसीसी) लागू की जाएगी, जिससे उत्तराखंड स्वतंत्र भारत का पहला राज्य बनेगा जहां यह कानून प्रभावी होगा।

यूसीसी लागू करने के लिए सभी आवश्यक तैयारियां पूरी कर ली गई हैं, जिसमें अधिनियम की नियमावली को मंजूरी और…

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) January 25, 2025

Sharing the announcement on X, CM Dhami stated, "Dear residents of the state, The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in the state from January 27, 2025, making Uttarakhand the first state in independent India where this law will come into effect. All the necessary preparations have been completed to implement UCC, which includes approval of the rules of the Act and training of the concerned officials. UCC will bring uniformity in the society and ensure equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens. Uniform Civil Code is just an offering made by our state in the great yagya being done by the Prime Minister to make the country a developed, organized, harmonious and self-reliant nation. Under the Uniform Civil Code, an attempt has been made to bring uniformity in all laws relating to personal civil matters that discriminate on the basis of caste, religion, sex etc."

In an interaction with ANI, CM Dhami explained that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fulfilling a key promise made during the 2022 assembly elections. He cited Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which encourages the government to secure a uniform civil code throughout the country.

“During the 2022 assembly election which we contested under the leadership of PM Modi, we promised the people of the state that we will work to implement the UCC after forming the government. We have fulfilled all the formalities and the Act (UCC) is now ready to be implemented. Uttarakhand has become the first state to bring the UCC – where there will be no discrimination based on gender, caste, or religion – and we are bringing the UCC mentioned under Article 44 of the Constitution on January 27,” CM Dhami said.

The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, establishes a standardized framework for personal civil laws, including marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance.

The Act applies to all residents of Uttarakhand, including those living outside the state, but excludes Scheduled Tribes and communities protected by empowered authorities.

Under the new provisions, marriages can only occur if neither party has a living spouse, both individuals are mentally capable of consent, the man is at least 21 years old, and the woman is at least 18.

Marriages can be solemnized according to religious customs or legal provisions but must be registered within 60 days of the Act's implementation. For marriages solemnized before March 26, 2010, or outside Uttarakhand, registration is optional but recommended and must be completed within six months of the Act coming into force if both parties meet the legal criteria.

The government has also set guidelines for prompt processing of marriage registrations, with sub-registrars required to issue decisions within 15 days of receiving applications. The move aims to simplify and standardize legal procedures, ensuring equitable treatment under personal laws.