Uttarakhand Becomes First State to Implement UCC

Why in the news?

Uttarakhand has officially implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), becoming the first state post-Independence to do so. The move ensures equal rights for all residents and introduces online registration for marriages, divorce, and wills.

Uttarakhand Becomes First State to Implement UCC

UCC Rollout in Uttarakhand:

  • Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for all residents, except Scheduled Tribes and those who migrated.
  • Uttarakhand becomes the first state to implement UCC post-Independence.
  • The UCC Bill bans practices like halala, iddat, talaq (related to Muslim Personal Law).
  • Ensures equal rights for women in property and inheritance matters.

Online Portal and Registration System:

  • A government portal (uk.gov.in) has been created for registration of marriages, divorce, and live-in relationships.
  • The portal allows complaints, access to records, and the ability to upload wills.
  • Aadhaar-based verification and AI-based translation services in 22 languages, including English.
  • Portal integrates data from 13 government departments, including police, courts, and civic bodies.

Registration and Compliance:

  • Marriages since March 26, 2010, must be registered within six months on the portal.
  • Marriages after UCC implementation need registration within 60 days.
  • Divorce and marriage annulment require details like court case numbers, decree details, and children’s information.
  • Citizens can register their will by filling the form, uploading a handwritten or typed will, or recording a three-minute video.

Key Points:Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

  • Uniform Civil Code (UCC): Part of Article 44 in the Constitution, aiming for a common civil law for all citizens.
  • Historical Context: British avoided standardizing family laws; the Constituent Assembly debated UCC, with concerns from Muslim members and support for equality from others like B.R. Ambedkar.
  • Milestone: Uttarakhand is the first state to implement UCC after Independence; Goa had it since 1867 under Portuguese law.
  • Supreme Court’s Stance: Advocated for UCC in cases like Shah Bano (1985), Sarla Mudgal (1995), Shayara Bano (2017), and Jose Coutinho (2019).

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times