On Tuesday, the Uttarakhand government presented the Uniform Civil Code bill in the state assembly, marking a historic move that could set a precedent for the nation. If passed, this legislation would be the first of its kind implemented in any state post-Independence. The bill aims to establish a unified set of laws governing marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance for all citizens of Uttarakhand, regardless of their religious affiliation, with the exception of Scheduled Tribes.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) of Uttarakhand, 2024 bill in the House, symbolically entering with a copy of the original Constitution. The presentation was met with enthusiasm from the ruling benches, with chants of patriotic slogans filling the chamber.
Initially slated for immediate debate and passage, the bill's schedule was modified following demands from opposition members for additional time to review and deliberate on its provisions. Despite protests and raised voices, Speaker Ritu Khanduri assured adequate time for thorough examination.
The bill applies statewide, extending its jurisdiction even to Uttarakhand residents living beyond its borders. However, it excludes Scheduled Tribes, safeguarding their customary rights under the Constitution.
Central to the bill is the regulation of live-in relationships, requiring partners to register their unions within a specified timeframe to legitimize any resulting children. Provisions also address scenarios of coercion, fraud, or minor involvement in such relationships.
Non-compliance with registration mandates could lead to imprisonment or fines, underscoring the seriousness with which the government regards adherence to the code. Additionally, provisions for maintenance and legal recourse in cases of abandonment offer protection to vulnerable parties.
Once enacted, Uttarakhand will set a significant precedent as the first state in post-Independence India to adopt a Uniform Civil Code. This fulfills a key electoral promise of the ruling BJP and could potentially serve as a model for other states, reflecting a broader trend towards legal uniformity across the nation.
(With Agency Inputs)
Read also| Uttarakhand Assembly Tables UCC Bill for Consideration
Read also| Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Hold Crucial Meetings with PM and HM in Delhi
