Uttarakhand Releases Historic Uniform Civil Code Report

The Uttarakhand government has unveiled a comprehensive report on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), authored by a five-member panel led by Justice Ranjana Desai. The report includes laws on marriage, divorce, and live-in relationships. The extensive UCC aims to simplify legal complexities and enforces equal rights across all religions.

Shatrugan Singh, Chairman of the Rules and Implementation Committee, has unveiled the Expert Committee's report on Uttarakhand's Uniform Civil Code (UCC) at the Circuit House Annexe in Dehradun. Singh informed the media that the UCC report can be accessed on the official website, http://ucc.uk.gov.in.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke with ANI, highlighting the significance of UCC for Uttarakhand. Dhami remarked, 'The UCC is a monumental step for our state. It simplifies complex legal issues and was a key promise during the elections. I congratulate the people of Uttarakhand on its implementation.'

Dhami further explained the ease of obtaining justice under the new code. On July 11, he attended a ceremony in Delhi to celebrate UCC's implementation, which, among other provisions, protects youth in live-in relationships. The full 1700-page UCC report, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, was released today.

Dhami’s government had earlier constituted a five-member committee, headed by Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, on May 27, 2022, to draft the UCC. The UCC includes laws governing marriage, divorce, and succession, and mandates registration of live-in relationships. The code prohibits child marriage and standardizes divorce procedures, ensuring equal rights for women in inheritance across all religions. The minimum marriage age is set at 18 for women and 21 for men.