Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024 explained

Short Title:	The Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024
Legislature:	Legislative Assembly of Uttarakhand
Long Title:	An Act to govern and regulate the laws relating to marriage and divorce, succession, live-in relationships and matters related thereto.
Citation:	Act No. 01 of 2024
Territorial Extent:	Uttarakhand
Enacted By:	Legislative Assembly of Uttarakhand
Date Enacted:	7 February 2024
Bill:	The Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Bill,2024
Bill Citation:	Bill No. 02 of 2024
Introduced By:	Pushkar Singh Dhami
Date Introduced:	7 February 2024
Passed For:	70
Passed Against:	0
Passed Abstention:	0
Date Final Passage:	7 February 2024
Summary:	A Law to govern and regulate the laws relating to marriage and divorce, succession, live-in relationships and matters related thereto.
Status:	in force

The Uniform Civil Code of Uttarakhand Act, 2024 is legislation to establish a common set of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and maintenance for all citizens of Uttarakhand, regardless of their religion, gender, caste, or sex.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Uttarakhand is the first state in India to enact a law on the Uniform Civil Code. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has described it as a "historic moment" for the country.^[4]

Background

Article 44 of the Constitution of India lays down that the State shall endeavour to implement a Uniform Civil Code. The Implementation of Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand was one of the key promises of the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2022 Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly Elections.^[5]

In 2022, the Government of Uttarakhand constituted a five-member expert committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, to study and draft a UCC law for the state.^[6]

The Committee therefore asked for Public suggestion in which it received 60,810 suggestions regarding the drafting and implementation.On 2 February 2024 the committee submitted its report to the Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.^{[7] [8]}

On 4 February 2024 the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister approved the Committee's Report.^{[9] [10]}

Provisions

The Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, implemented in Uttarakhand, applies to all individuals residing in the state except for members of scheduled tribes. Here is a breakdown of its key provisions:

Marriage and Divorce:

• Minimum Marriageable Age: Sets a common minimum marriageable age for all genders (18 years for women and 21 years for man), aligning with existing national legislation.^[11]
• Registration of Marriages: Mandates compulsory registration of all marriages with designated authorities to ensure legal recognition and transparency.^[12]
• Grounds for Divorce: Outlines specific grounds for obtaining divorce applicable to all communities, addressing issues like cruelty, adultery, desertion, and mental illness.
• Alimony and Maintenance: Provides provisions for spousal and child maintenance after divorce, ensuring financial support and upholding the welfare of dependents.^[13]

Inheritance and Succession:

• Equal Rights: Grants equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters, abolishing the distinction between ancestral and self-acquired property. This promotes gender equality and ensures fair distribution of inherited assets.
• Succession Rules: Establishes a common set of rules for inheritance based on relationship to the deceased, regardless of religious affiliation. This simplifies the legal process and avoids complexities arising from diverse personal laws.

Live-in Relationships:

• Registration: Requires registration of live-in relationships, granting legal recognition and protecting the rights of individuals in such partnerships.^[14]
• Rights of Children: Recognizes the rights of children born to partners in registered live-in relationships, ensuring their access to inheritance, maintenance, and other legal benefits.^[15]
• Maintenance for Deserted Partners: Provides provisions for maintenance to partners who are deserted in live-in relationships, safeguarding their financial security and addressing potential exploitation.^{[16] [17]}

Additional Provisions:

• Prohibition of Polygamy: Bans the practice of polygamy for all individuals, promoting monogamy and gender equality.^[18]
• Child Marriage Ban: Reiterates the existing national ban on child marriage, protecting children from harmful traditional practices.^[19]
• Jurisdiction of Courts: Determines the jurisdiction of courts in matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance under the UCC.

Exemptions:

• Scheduled Tribes: The Act exempts members of scheduled tribes from its provisions, allowing them to continue following their customary laws in personal matters.^[20]

Reactions

The passage of the UCC Act in Uttarakhand has elicited a wide range of reactions, both positive and negative. BJP and its allies viewed the UCC as a progressive step towards achieving equality and eliminating discriminatory practices based on religion.^[21] They believe it will promote national integration and simplify the legal system while the oppositions argues that the UCC infringes on the religious and cultural rights of minorities, particularly regarding marriage, inheritance, and personal laws. They raise concerns about its potential to homogenize diverse traditions and undermine social harmony.^{[22] [23]}

Chief Minister Dhami termed the passage of the bill as "Historic" while the Opposition said that they were not given sufficient time for discussion.^{[24] [25]}

The Muslim community leaders apprehension about the impact of the UCC on their existing personal laws, highlighting concerns about safeguarding their cultural identity and traditions.^[26]

The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi said the UCC is "an attack" on the religious and cultural rights of minorities, particularly Muslims.^{[27] [28]} He argues that it "imposes a Hindu code" on all citizens, neglecting the diverse personal laws practiced by different communities. He questions the constitutionality of the UCC, claiming it violates Article 25 and Article 29, which guarantees freedom of religion and cultural rights.^{[29] [30]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: Uttarakhand assembly passes Uniform Civil Code, Pushkar Singh Dhami says 'law not against anyone' . 7 February 2024 .
2. News: Uttarakhand becomes first state to pass landmark Uniform Civil Code bill . The Times of India . 7 February 2024 .
3. Web site: Uttarakhand First to Clear Uniform Civil Code Bill, Other States Line up .
4. News: Uniform Civil Code bill passed in Uttarakhand assembly . Hindustan Times. 7 February 2024.
5. Web site: Uttarakhand CM Dhami Promises Uniform Civil Code if BJP Re-elected to Power . 12 February 2022 .
6. Web site: Committee set up on UCC implementation in Uttarakhand . 28 May 2022 .
7. Web site: Uniform Civil Code committee submits draft report to Uttarakhand government .
8. News: Uniform civil code (UCC) in Uttarakhand: Panel hands over final report to CM Pushkar Singh Dhami . The Times of India . 2 February 2024 .
9. Web site: Uttarakhand all set to implement Uniform Civil Code . 4 February 2024 .
10. News: Uttarakhand cabinet approves UCC report, bill likely to be tabled in Assembly on February 6 . The Times of India . 4 February 2024 .
11. Web site: Uttarakhand civil code: The key changes for Hindus and Muslims in marriage, inheritance . 7 February 2024 .
12. News: Registration of live-in relationships, polygamy ban: Key features of Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code Bill . The Hindu . 7 February 2024 . Bhaumik . Aaratrika .
13. Web site: Property rights: How does Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code move the needle? . 9 February 2024 .
14. Web site: Register live-in relationship or face up to 6 months jail: Uttarakhand Civil Code garners criticism | HER . 9 February 2024 .
15. News: Uttarakhand UCC: Indian state wants to govern live-in relationships . 7 February 2024 .
16. News: Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code dares right to form 'intimate associations' . The Hindu . 7 February 2024 . Rajagopal . Krishnadas .
17. Web site: Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code: Registration of live-ins, jail term raise questions of privacy & liberty . 7 February 2024 .
18. Web site: UCC bans polygamy: Is the practice more prevalent among Muslims? . 10 February 2024 .
19. Web site: Not in the Name of Gender Justice: Reflections on Uttarakhand's UCC .
20. Web site: Uttarakhand Set to Pass UCC: Jail Time for Unregistered Live-in Relationship; Exemption for Tribals .
21. Web site: BJP is milking Uniform Civil Code for LS polls but implementation will be tough .
22. Web site: Why is an Indian state punishing live-in relationships? .
23. Web site: How Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Impacts Hindu, Muslim & Christian Succession Laws . 8 February 2024 .
24. Web site: "Historic day in history of Uttarakhand": Chief Minister Dhami after Assembly's nod to UCC bill | Politics .
25. Web site: 'Not against Uniform Civil Code but...': Cong on UCC debut in Uttarakhand assembly . 6 February 2024 .
26. Web site: New Bill in India to Govern Unwed Couples Who Live Together . 7 February 2024 .
27. Web site: Asaduddin Owaisi slams Uniform Civil Code, says 'Hindus, tribals kept out' . 7 February 2024 .
28. Web site: Uttarakhand's UCC 'forces Muslims to follow different religion, culture': Owaisi . 7 February 2024 .
29. https://www.business-standard.com/politics/nothing-but-a-hindu-code-for-all-owaisi-slams-uniform-civil-code-124020700552_1.html
30. Web site: UCC Bill is Hindu Code in disguise: Asaduddin Owaisi . 8 February 2024 .