Precursor to National UCC? Uttarakhand Creates History, Implements Uniform Civil Code

In a historic move, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the state is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, 2025. This landmark decision makes Uttarakhand the first state in India to introduce the UCC, fulfilling a key electoral promise made during the 2022 assembly elections. The move is expected to pave the way for equality across gender, caste, and religion, in line with Article 44 of the Indian Constitution.

#WATCH | Dehradun | Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says, "During the 2022 assembly election which we contested under the leadership of PM Modi - we promised the people of the state that we will work to implement the UCC after forming the govt. We have fulfilled all the… pic.twitter.com/AgX7jiFcNl

— ANI (@ANI) January 27, 2025

Commitment Fulfilled Under PM Modi’s Leadership

CM Dhami emphasized that the UCC was a commitment made to the people of Uttarakhand during the elections contested under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “We promised the people of the state that we will work to implement the UCC after forming the government. We have fulfilled all the formalities, and the Act is now ready to be implemented,” said the Chief Minister.

The UCC aims to bring all communities under a unified set of personal laws, eliminating disparities arising from religion-based legal frameworks. The initiative seeks to ensure uniformity in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, promoting justice and equality across the state.

A Historic Milestone for Equality

By introducing the UCC, Uttarakhand has set a precedent for other states and the nation. The legislation aligns with Article 44 of the Constitution, which encourages the implementation of a uniform code to promote national integration and social harmony.

Impact Beyond Uttarakhand

Experts suggest that Uttarakhand's implementation of the UCC could serve as a precursor to the nationwide adoption of the code. With its focus on removing discrimination, the UCC stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to progressive governance.

This historic move by Uttarakhand is being celebrated as a bold step toward ensuring equality and inclusivity in the legal framework, reflecting a modern, unified vision for India.