Mon Jan 27 13:26:27 IST 2025: ## Uttarakhand Implements Uniform Civil Code, Becoming Second State to Adopt Uniform Laws
**Dehradun, [Date]** – Uttarakhand today became the second state in India to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a significant step towards a unified legal framework for personal matters across all communities. The Code, passed by the state assembly almost a year ago, standardizes laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and property rights. Goa is the only other state with a similar system.
Key provisions of the Uttarakhand UCC include mandatory registration of live-in relationships, with penalties of up to three months imprisonment and a ₹25,000 fine for non-compliance or providing false information. Parental consent is required for live-in relationships involving individuals under 21. The law also mandates marriage registration and sets a uniform minimum marriage age of 21 for men and 18 for women.
The Code explicitly bans polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq, while establishing a uniform divorce process. It also grants equal inheritance rights to sons and daughters, referring to both as “child” to eliminate gender distinctions. Children born out of live-in relationships will be legally recognized and granted equal inheritance rights. Furthermore, practices such as nikah halala and iddat are prohibited.
The UCC will not apply to Scheduled Tribes. The state government maintains the Code aims to promote equality and ensure uniformity in personal laws across all communities within Uttarakhand, except for Scheduled Tribes.
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