Mon Jan 27 18:22:17 IST 2025: ## Uttarakhand Becomes First State in India to Implement Uniform Civil Code

**Dehradun, January 27, 2025** – Uttarakhand today became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a significant step in legal and social reform. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami formally announced the implementation at his residence, unveiling accompanying regulations and a dedicated online portal for public access.

The UCC standardizes personal laws, previously varying across religions, for matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. Key changes include:

* **Uniform Marriage Age:** A minimum marriage age of 21 for men and 18 for women, regardless of religion. Marriage registration will be mandatory.

* **Standardized Divorce Procedures:** Consistent divorce processes and grounds will replace the current religion-specific systems.

* **End to Polygamy and Halala:** The practices of polygamy and halala (a form of Islamic divorce) will be abolished.

* **Equal Property Rights for Daughters:** All daughters will now inherit equal shares of parental property.

* **Adoption Rights for All Women:** The right to adopt children will be extended to women of all faiths.

* **Regulation of Live-in Relationships:** Live-in relationships will require registration, with penalties for non-compliance. Children born in registered live-in relationships will be considered legitimate, and women will have rights to maintenance upon separation.

* **Special Provisions for Armed Forces:** Military personnel will have specific provisions for will-making, allowing handwritten or verbal testaments.

* **Exemptions:** Certain Scheduled Tribes, comprising approximately 3% of the state’s population, will be exempted from the UCC under provisions of Part 21 of the Constitution.

The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand is expected to have wide-ranging social and legal implications across the state, and its success will be closely watched by other states considering similar legislation. The government’s newly launched portal will provide further details and guidance for citizens.

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