Uttarakhand becomes the first Indian state to implement Uniform Civil Code

Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announcing its full adoption on Monday.

Speaking on the landmark decision, CM Dhami credited the people of Uttarakhand for the implementation.

“If the credit for this goes to anyone, it goes to the people of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, who blessed us and formed our government," Dhami said while launching the official portal and booklet for UCC.


He added that the move was a tribute to the framers of the Constitution, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and marks a significant step towards ensuring equal civil and constitutional rights for all citizens, including women of all religions.

"Today, by implementing UCC in Uttarakhand, we are paying our true tribute to the makers of the Constitution, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar and all the respected members of the Constituent Assembly...Uniform Civil Code has been fully implemented in Uttarakhand from this very moment and the constitutional and civil rights of all the citizens of the state of Uttarakhand have become equal and from this very moment, women of all religions have got equal rights," Dhami said.

Also Read: Uttarakhand's UCC portal goes live in 23 languages – Here’s how to register

The UCC seeks to bring uniformity across personal laws relating to marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance, ensuring equal rights regardless of caste, religion, or gender.

CM Dhami explained that the implementation of UCC aligns with the promise made during the 2022 state elections and cited Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which advocates for a uniform civil code for all citizens.

The state government has also prepared the necessary legal frameworks, including approval of the rules and training of officials, to ensure smooth execution.

The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, covers a wide range of legal matters, including the creation and cancellation of wills, marriage registrations, and succession.

It establishes clear guidelines for marriage eligibility, such as the legal age and mental capacity of both parties, and mandates the registration of all marriages within 60 days. While the Act applies to all residents of Uttarakhand, it excludes Scheduled Tribes and protected persons.

The government has set a six-month window for the registration of marriages conducted before March 26, 2010, or outside the state. The introduction of UCC marks a historic shift in India’s legal landscape, aiming to provide equality and simplify personal laws across the state.