“UTTARAKHAND’S UNIFORM CIVIL CODE: CONSENSUS VS. LAW”

Why in the news?

  • Communities agreed on welfare for elderly parents, increasing the legal marriage age, and simplifying the adoption process.
  • Suggestions included marriage ages of 21-25 for men and 18-23 for women.
  • Calls for parental rights in children’s income and property were supported.
source:slideshare

About Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2024:

  • Uttarakhand Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2024.
  • First state in independent India to implement UCC.
  • Proposes common rules for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships.
  • Applies to all residents except Scheduled Tribes.
  • Based on Article 44 of the Constitution.

Key Provisions of Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024:

Applicability:

  • Applies to all residents except Scheduled Tribes.

Marriage:

  • Mandatory registration within 60 days; penalties for non-compliance.
  • False information: Rs 25,000 fine and three-month jail.
  • No dissolution without a court order; three years imprisonment otherwise.

Queer Relationships:

  • Excludes LGBTQIA+ community; applies only to heterosexuals.
What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

  • A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) proposes a single law for all personal matters.
  • It covers marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption across all religious communities.
  • Aims to replace the existing fragmented personal laws governing different religious communities’ interpersonal relationships.

Constitutional Provisions Regarding UCC in India:

  • Article 44: State aims for a Uniform Civil Code across India.
  • Part IV: Directive Principles of State Policy.
  • Article 37: Not enforceable by courts but fundamental in governance.
  • Purpose: Guides state policies and law-making principles.

What is Hindu Code Bill?

  • Hindu Code Bills: Laws passed in the 1950s.
  • Aim: Codify and reform Hindu personal law in India.
  • Replaced religious laws with a common law code.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/uniform-civil-code/