Uttarakhand becomes the first state to pass the Uniform Civil Code Bill, with other states following suit
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami informed reporters that today marks a significant milestone for the state as we have successfully passed a bill that has long been demanded by people nationwide: the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
In New Delhi, Uttarakhand, governed by the BJP, has emerged as the pioneer in passing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, potentially inspiring other BJP-governed states to take similar steps. Rajasthan has already expressed its intention to introduce a UCC bill during the upcoming assembly session.
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) pertains to a standardized legal framework that applies uniformly to all citizens of India, irrespective of religious affiliation, regarding matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, among other personal affairs.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed the significance of the day, stating, “Today marks a crucial milestone for Uttarakhand as we have successfully enacted a long-awaited bill, making us the first state to do so. I extend my gratitude to all the MLAs and the people of Uttarakhand for entrusting us with power, which has enabled us to pass this bill.” He made these remarks to reporters outside the assembly.
Mr. Dhami expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his steadfast support and encouragement.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the bill was designed for the collective welfare of all individuals, particularly women, and was not intended to target any specific group.
“This bill is not aimed at anyone. It is aimed at ensuring equal rights for all individuals, without discrimination, in matters such as marriage, maintenance, inheritance, and divorce… Its primary objective is to eliminate discrimination against women,” stated the Chief Minister.
Following the bill’s introduction in the assembly today, the Opposition called for its referral to a select committee for further review.
Once the bill receives the Governor’s approval, Uttarakhand will achieve a historic milestone as the first state post-Independence to enact a uniform law governing marriage, divorce, land ownership, property rights, and inheritance, applicable to all citizens regardless of their religious affiliation.
Mr. Dhami emphasized that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) can undergo future amendments to accommodate specific clauses if necessary.
The bill excludes provisions related to population control measures and does not apply to the Scheduled Tribes, comprising 3% of Uttarakhand’s population.
Arriving merely two months ahead of the Lok Sabha election, the passage of the Uttarakhand UCC bill marks a significant accomplishment in the BJP’s agenda.
Prakash Ambedkar, the grandson of BR Ambedkar and leader of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, asserted today that Parliament cannot enforce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on citizens, as the Constitution guarantees religious freedom to individuals. According to news agency PTI, he highlighted that Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution afford individuals the liberty to embrace a religious lifestyle as long as it does not infringe upon fundamental rights. Additionally, he stated that the government cannot enforce the UCC without a complete overhaul of the Constitution.
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