Move sparks mixed reactions; critics claim exclusion of certain communities
NEW DELHI – Uttarakhand is set to become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with the new law coming into effect on Monday, January 27, according to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The move is being hailed as a step towards societal uniformity and equality but has sparked significant criticism, especially from opposition parties and minority groups.
Chief Minister Dhami, emphasising the importance of the UCC, stated, “The Uniform Civil Code is an offering from Uttarakhand in the great ‘yagya’ being performed by the prime minister to build an organised and developed country.” He added that the UCC would eliminate discrimination in personal civil laws related to caste, religion, and gender, creating uniform regulations for marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance.
Critics, however, have raised serious concerns about the implementation of the UCC. All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly opposed the law, alleging that it is not truly “uniform” as it excludes certain provisions under Hindu personal laws and tribal communities.
“It can’t be called a Uniform Civil Code when exceptions are being made for the Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, and tribal communities. How is this uniform? This law is only targeting the weddings and divorces of Muslims,” Owaisi argued.
The UCC has long been part of the BJP’s agenda, with the party emphasising its commitment to implementing the code during the 2022 assembly elections. The state cabinet recently approved the necessary rules and regulations, with the chief minister announcing January as the implementation month.
Under the UCC, the registration of all marriages and live-in relationships will be mandatory. The law aims to ensure equality for all citizens, although it does not apply to scheduled tribes. The UCC Act was officially notified on March 12 last year, following President Droupadi Murmu’s assent. Preparations, including the approval of rules and the training of officials, have been completed ahead of the implementation.
Dhami reiterated the significance of the move, aligning it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India. “This is a significant step towards creating a harmonious and self-reliant nation,” he remarked.
With Uttarakhand leading the way, the implementation of the UCC is being closely watched by other states. The chief minister referred to Uttarakhand as the “Gangotri” of the UCC, predicting that its influence will spread across the country.
The UCC’s implementation has reignited debates about its inclusivity and its impact on the country’s diverse population. While supporters hail it as a progressive measure, detractors question its fairness and implications for minority groups.
As the country awaits the full impact of this landmark decision, Uttarakhand’s move marks a pivotal moment in India’s legislative history.