Mon Jan 27 16:12:36 UTC 2025: ## Uttarakhand Implements Uniform Civil Code

**Dehradun, January 27, 2025** – The state of Uttarakhand officially implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) today, marking a historic day for the state and potentially for India as a whole. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami unveiled the UCC notification, launched the official UCC portal (ucc.uk.gov.in), and released the UCC rule booklet at a ceremony held at the Chief Minister’s residence.

CM Dhami announced that registration under the UCC will be free for the next six months. Those whose marriages were registered before the UCC’s implementation, or who have already obtained divorce decrees or annulments, are exempt from registration fees. He further declared that January 27th will be observed annually as Uniform Civil Code Day in Uttarakhand.

The Chief Minister personally registered his own marriage on the new portal, receiving his certificate from Chief Secretary Radha Raturi. Five other couples were also presented with their registration certificates at the event.

The UCC draft was prepared after consultations with 235,000 people by a committee of experts. The state government considers the implementation a tribute to B.R. Ambedkar and the members of the Constituent Assembly. The government emphasizes that the UCC aims to grant equal constitutional and civil rights to all citizens regardless of religion or gender, and will help curb practices like “halala,” “triple talaq,” and “iddah.” Scheduled Tribes, as defined under Article 342 of the Constitution, are exempted to preserve their customs.

The new code mandates registration for live-in relationships, with the registrar informing parents or guardians, while maintaining confidentiality. Children born from such relationships will also have equal rights. An online registration system has been established for ease of access.

The Chief Minister stressed that the UCC aims to simplify the process and ensure no citizen faces difficulty. A clear set of rules has been implemented to guide the process.

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