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UCC (Uniform Civil Code) to Launch in Uttarakhand on January 27

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Uttarakhand Becomes First Indian State to Implement Uniform Civil Code(UCC): A Step Towards Equality

In a historic move, Uttarakhand is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, becoming the first state in independent India to take this bold step. The UCC aims to streamline and standardize personal laws related to marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance, fostering equality and reducing disparities between different religious communities.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will also launch the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Portal on the same day. The UCC portal will serve as a digital interface to simplify processes such as marriage registration and ensure transparency.

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What is the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code(UCC) Act, 2024?

The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, establishes a comprehensive legal framework for personal laws while promoting social harmony and protecting individual rights. The Act includes provisions for:

  • Marriage solemnization and registration: Marriages must be registered within 60 days, while older marriages (from March 26, 2010) can be registered within six months.
  • Eligibility for marriage: Both parties must meet legal age requirements (21 years for men, 18 years for women) and be mentally capable of giving consent.
  • Clear inheritance and succession rules: This eliminates ambiguity in testamentary succession, including the creation and cancellation of wills and codicils.
  • Digital processes: Registrations can be completed online or offline, with transparent appeal mechanisms for rejected applications.

To ensure smooth implementation, the state government will appoint a Registrar General and sub-registrars to maintain and monitor records related to marriage and inheritance.

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The Act, however, excludes certain communities such as Scheduled Tribes (as per Articles 342 and 366(25) of the Constitution) and protected authority-empowered persons under Part XXI.

How the UCC Promotes Equality

The implementation of the UCC marks a significant step towards equality, addressing inequalities faced by Hindus under disparate personal laws across religions. It simplifies processes, eliminates ambiguities, and ensures that all citizens are treated equally under a unified legal framework.

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The requirement for mandatory registration of marriages, for instance, ensures transparency and legal protection across all communities. This will help reduce instances of misuse of personal laws and encourage accountability.

The UCC also highlights the state’s commitment to protecting individual rights while fostering social harmony. The provisions for streamlined inheritance and testamentary succession further reinforce fairness and equality among citizens.

A Model for Other States and the Nation

Uttarakhand’s pioneering step could serve as a blueprint for other states to follow. The success of this initiative will showcase how a unified legal code can function effectively, setting the stage for a broader implementation across India.

The state’s proactive approach in establishing digital infrastructure, such as the UCC Portal, further emphasizes its commitment to transparency and efficient governance. Other states can draw inspiration from Uttarakhand’s example and begin working towards implementing UCC within their own jurisdictions.

Bridging the Gap Between Communities

The Uniform Civil Code is not just a legal reform but a step towards bridging the gaps that have historically existed between religious communities in India. By ensuring uniformity in personal laws, it aligns with the vision of creating a society where all citizens are equal before the law, regardless of their religion.

For years, Hindus have faced inequalities in personal laws compared to other communities, and the UCC is a move to correct this imbalance. It also sends a strong message that the state treats all religions equally, fostering unity and reducing divisions within society.

A Historic Step Towards National Unity

Uttarakhand’s implementation of the UCC is a landmark moment in India’s legal and social history. It reflects a vision of equality, fairness, and unity that resonates with the aspirations of modern India.

As this progressive step unfolds, it holds the potential to inspire other states and eventually pave the way for a nationwide Uniform Civil Code. The success of the UCC in Uttarakhand will not only strengthen social harmony within the state but also set a guiding precedent for the entire country.

This historic initiative is not just a milestone for Uttarakhand but a significant stride toward the realization of a truly equal and united India.

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