In a significant move towards equality and uniformity in personal laws, Uttarakhand is set to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced the launch of the UCC portal on the same day, aimed at providing citizens with detailed information and facilitating public engagement on the new framework.
The Uniform Civil Code will bring significant changes to personal laws, which currently vary across different religious communities. Here’s what will change after the UCC is implemented:
Key Changes Post-UCC Implementation
Uniformity in Marriage Laws:
The UCC will standardize marriage laws across communities, replacing religious-specific customs. Registration of marriages will be made mandatory, ensuring greater legal recognition and protection for couples.
Equal Inheritance Rights:
Inheritance laws will no longer be governed by religious traditions. Property and inheritance rights will become uniform, providing equal opportunities to women and men in matters of succession.
Streamlined Divorce Procedures:
Divorce laws, currently influenced by religious beliefs, will be replaced with a common legal framework. This will simplify procedures and ensure fairness across communities, especially for women seeking legal remedies.
Adoption and Guardianship:
A unified system for adoption and guardianship will replace religion-based guidelines, offering equal rights and responsibilities to all citizens.
Impact on Polygamy:
Polygamy, permissible under certain religious laws, will be prohibited under the UCC, ensuring a single standard of marital laws for all.
Public Engagement via UCC Portal
The UCC portal will serve as a platform to educate citizens about the new regulations and invite suggestions or grievances. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity in implementing the reform.
The move to introduce the UCC in Uttarakhand is seen as a step towards fostering equality and strengthening secularism. While the change may face initial challenges in adaptation, it is anticipated to promote harmony and fairness in personal legal matters across communities.