On January 20, 2025, the Uttarakhand government officially approved the rules for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a bold move that promises to reshape personal laws in the state. The decision was finalized in a State Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, signaling a critical step towards its eventual implementation. By the end of January, the government will issue a gazette notification, setting the stage for the enforcement of this progressive law.

This move, which has already made waves across the country, is a fulfillment of a key election promise made by the BJP during the 2022 Assembly polls. In a public rally in Mussorrie, Chief Minister Dhami affirmed, “We had promised the people of Uttarakhand that we would bring a law same for all. We have delivered on that promise under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”

What is the Uniform Civil Code?

The Uniform Civil Code is a sweeping piece of legislation designed to unify personal laws across various communities and religions, offering equal rights to all citizens, irrespective of their faith. Passed in the State Assembly in February 2024, it specifically excludes tribals from its provisions but aims to modernize and streamline several critical aspects of marriage, divorce, and inheritance laws.

The key reforms include: The UCC bans practices like halala, iddat, and talaq, which are entrenched in Muslim Personal Law. This ensures that both men and women have equal rights in matters related to divorce and marriage. One of the most significant features of the UCC is its provision ensuring women have equal rights in property and inheritance matters. The law mandates that all marriages and divorces be officially registered. Failure to do so would result in the couple losing access to government facilities and benefits. The law also mandates the registration of live-in relationships, with children born out of such unions being recognized as legitimate.

Implementation of UCC

To streamline the implementation of the UCC, the Uttarakhand government has rolled out a dedicated online portal. This platform will allow citizens to register their marriages, divorces, inheritance rights, live-in relationships, and even the termination of live-in relationships. This digital system will simplify the process for individuals, making it accessible through mobile phones or from the comfort of their homes.

In areas with limited internet access, especially in remote and hilly regions, the state has taken a proactive step by engaging Common Service Centres (CSC). These centres will facilitate the registration process by reaching out to citizens in rural areas, ensuring no one is left behind. For even more localized service, Gram Panchayat Development Officers have been appointed as Sub-Registrars, making it easier for rural citizens to access these services.

Moreover, the government has ensured that citizens can track their applications via e-mail and SMS. The introduction of Aadhaar-based registration further streamlines the process, ensuring a seamless experience for all.

The UCC has been one of the BJP’s major electoral promises for Uttarakhand, and its passage marks a significant milestone in the state’s legal history. The government had set up a five-member expert committee, led by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, to guide the drafting of the UCC. After months of deliberation, the committee submitted its draft to the state government in February 2024, which was swiftly passed by the State Cabinet.

The bill was then sent for the approval of the Governor and, on February 28, 2024, it received the formal nod from Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh (retd.). As the UCC falls under the Concurrent List, it requires final approval from the President of India, which is expected to follow soon.

Why the UCC Matters for Uttarakhand?

The implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand marks a pivotal moment in the state’s social and legal transformation. By ensuring equality in marriage, inheritance, and property rights, the UCC aims to break down traditional barriers and promote social justice. Its provisions are designed to empower women, protect the rights of children born in live-in relationships, and create a system where all citizens, regardless of their religion, are treated equally before the law.

For many, the UCC is more than just a piece of legislation—it is a symbol of progress, inclusivity, and a step towards modernity. The digital infrastructure surrounding its implementation further demonstrates the state’s commitment to making legal processes accessible to all, especially those in rural and underserved areas.

With the UCC now officially approved, the state is poised to issue the gazette notification in the coming days, making the legislation a reality. As the portal goes live and registration systems are rolled out, Uttarakhand will set a precedent for other states considering similar reforms. The road ahead may not be without challenges, but with the backing of the state’s leadership and the promise of a fairer, more equal society, the future looks promising.