The rollout of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is the historic landmark of the governance of Uttarakhand, becoming the first state in India to enact the UCC. The move, effective from January 27, 2025, has been lauded as a monumental step toward ensuring equality in personal civil laws and eliminating discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender.
Mohandas Pai Applauds the Initiative
Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys and a prominent advocate for progressive reforms, hailed the implementation of UCC as a historic moment for India. “A great day for India. After 75 years of our republic, promises of equality for all, equal laws for all, and equal rights for all women are now real, he said. Pai also greeted Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for leading the initiative and appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to do the same.
A Milestone in Indian Legal Reforms
The UCC is designed to establish a uniform legal framework for personal civil matters, such as marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance, across all communities. The act aims to eliminate the discrepancies in personal laws dictated by religious or cultural practices, fostering a sense of unity and equality among citizens.
The CM Dhami termed the development as an effort in the direction of a broader national perspective under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance. The Uniform Civil Code is merely an offering that is being put forward by our state in the massive ‘yagya’ that the prime minister is undertaking to build a developed, a unified, a harmonious, and self-sufficient nation, he stated in a statement on January 26.
The Road to UCC Implementation
The process of implementation of UCC in Uttarakhand started with the notification of the Act on March 12, 2024 after presidential approval. Dhami had promised its enactment as part of the state’s silver jubilee celebrations, marking 25 years since its formation. The state cabinet recently approved the rules and regulations for UCC, including provisions for the mandatory registration of marriages and live-in relationships.
It is being celebrated as an achievement that has been fulfilled by one of the BJP’s long-angle promise and a pledge made during the 2022 Uttarakhand state assembly elections. Dhami used the state’s action as “Gangotri of UCC” referring it to be the reason for a bigger movement that may inspire other states to take similar actions.
Reactions and Implications
The implementation of the UCC has provided an occasion for debate regarding its likely effects on Indian society. Proponents stress that the code is a step in the right direction towards achieving gender equality and justice, thus providing all women with equal rights to inheritance and marriage regardless of their social standing.
On the other hand, critics contend that the uniformity of personal religions have to be handled with sensibilty to avoid looking down on cultural diversity. However, Uttarakhand has already taken the leap forward, which serves as an example for the other states to think about making similar reforms, especially in BJP controlled states where the UCC is an agenda point.
A Vision for the Future
The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand is not being viewed as a mere legal reform act but as a manifestation of an ideal of a peaceful and united India. Through the cessation of personal law disparities, the endeavor seeks to promote unity in diversity in such a way that all citizens, irrespective of religious or cultural origins, are equitably governed by the law.
The move also underscores Uttarakhand’s progressive approach to governance, with Chief Minister Dhami positioning the state as a trailblazer in implementing transformative policies. With the momentum behind the UCC, now the eyes of the nation are focused on the other BJP-ruled states, and their readiness to emulate Uttarakhand’s step.
Conclusion
The introduction of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand is a landmark event in Indian politics and society. It emphasizes the state’s duty to both preserve constitutional principles of equality and justice, and to that end to set the stage for a possible national conversation on uniformity in personal law. By this courageous measure, Uttarakhand not only delivers upon an important electoral commitment, but gives rise to a larger wave of legal and social reform in India.
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