A Historic Move in Uttarakhand: UCC Bill to Transform State Laws
In a groundbreaking decision, the Uttarakhand government, led by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, is all set to introduce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the state assembly on Tuesday.
Uttarakhand UCC Proposal Gains Momentum
The approval for the UCC report came during a meeting at Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s residence on Sunday, as sanctioned by the Uttarakhand Cabinet. The proposal is anticipated to be presented in the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 6.
Path to Implementation
The drafting committee, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, presented the comprehensive 740-page draft to Chief Minister Dhami on Friday. If implemented, Uttarakhand is poised to become the first Indian state post-independence to adopt the UCC.
BJP’s Pledge Realized
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Chief Minister Dhami stated, “Today in the Cabinet meeting, we passed the proposal to bring the legislation on the Uniform Civil Code in the upcoming Assembly session.” The UCC’s enactment aligns with a resolution endorsed by the BJP, and its realization holds significant importance, especially considering the BJP’s electoral promise in the 2022 Uttarakhand elections.
Key Achievements of the UCC Draft Committee
The drafting panel, led by retired Justice Pramod Kohli, social activist Manu Gaur, former Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Shatrughan Singh, and Vice Chancellor of Doon University, Surekha Dangwal, has played a pivotal role. The comprehensive draft, spanning 740 pages across four volumes, incorporated suggestions from 2,33,000 individuals in the state.
Aiming for Consistency Across Faiths
The UCC aims to establish a legal framework for uniform marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance laws applicable to all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations. This legislative stride would signify the fulfillment of a significant commitment made by the BJP to the people of the state during the lead-up to the 2022 Assembly polls.
Special Assembly Session for UCC Legislation
A special assembly session, spanning four days, has been convened specifically to pass the UCC legislation and formalize its enactment into law. The heightened security around the Assembly premises indicates the significance and anticipation surrounding this session, extending until February 8.
Uttarakhand’s Unique Approach
Uttarakhand, under BJP rule, would distinguish itself as the first state post-independence to adopt the Uniform Civil Code, should the implementation proceed. The state’s distinct UCC model has even attracted interest from the governments of Assam and Gujarat.
Tribal Exemption from UCC Bill
It’s noteworthy that scheduled tribes (STs) have been exempted from the purview of the UCC bill. This decision considers the special status accorded to the tribal population in the state, constituting around 3%.
UCC’s Road to Reality
The UCC draft committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, submitted the 740-page report on Feb 2. The submission marked the culmination of an almost two-year process initiated on May 27, 2022.
Key Proposals of the UCC Draft Committee
Some of the noteworthy proposals put forth by the committee include the prohibition of polygamy, halala, iddat, and child marriage, a uniform age for girls’ marriage across all religions, equal inheritance rights for both genders, and the mandatory registration of live-in relationships.
Anticipation and Emulation
Chief Minister Dhami, expressing optimism, hoped that other states would emulate Uttarakhand’s example and adopt the UCC using the template provided by the state. The robust participation of individuals in the drafting process and the subsequent cabinet approval underline the collaborative and democratic nature of this legislative milestone.
Conclusion: Transformative Legal Framework
As Uttarakhand gears up to present and discuss the UCC Bill in the upcoming assembly session, the state is on the brink of a transformative legal framework that aims to promote uniformity and equality across diverse sections of its population, setting a precedent for other regions to follow.
