DEHRADUN, Jan 27: In a historic move, Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), set to come into effect from January 27, 2025. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami made the announcement, emphasizing that the UCC aims to ensure uniformity in personal civil matters, eliminating discrimination based on caste, religion, gender, and other factors.
In a post on X, CM Dhami stated, “Dear residents of the state, The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented in the state from January 27, 2025, making Uttarakhand the first state in independent India where this law will come into effect. All the necessary preparations have been completed to implement UCC, which includes approval of the rules of the Act and training of the concerned officials. UCC will bring uniformity in society and ensure equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens.”
He further highlighted that the UCC is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Modi to create a developed, organized, and self-reliant nation. The UCC will address personal civil matters that have historically been discriminatory, including issues surrounding marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance.
In an interview, CM Dhami reflected on the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) election promise during the 2022 assembly elections to implement the UCC. He pointed to Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which calls for the adoption of a Uniform Civil Code across the country. “Under the leadership of PM Modi, we promised the people of Uttarakhand that we would work towards implementing the UCC once we formed the government. Uttarakhand has now fulfilled that promise, becoming the first state to enforce the UCC,” Dhami said.
The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, seeks to streamline various personal laws. Among the key provisions, marriages will only be permitted between individuals who meet legal criteria, including mental competency and age—21 years for men and 18 years for women. Marriage registration will also be mandatory for all marriages occurring after the UCC’s implementation, with a 60-day window for registration. The UCC allows for the recognition of marriages solemnized before March 26, 2010, or outside the state, provided they meet certain conditions and are registered within six months.
The law will apply to all residents of Uttarakhand, including those living outside the state, but excludes Scheduled Tribes and certain protected communities.
