Tue Jan 28 00:58:53 UTC 2025: ## Uttarakhand Becomes First State to Implement Uniform Civil Code
**Dehradun, Uttarakhand –** Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today launched the state’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC), becoming the first state in India to implement such a reform. The UCC, unveiled at a ceremony at the Chief Minister’s residence, aims to standardize personal laws relating to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession.
Dhami, who registered his own marriage under the new UCC, declared the day “historic” for both the state and the nation. He emphasized the code’s goal of establishing equality in society, eliminating discrimination based on religion, caste, or gender. The UCC prohibits practices like triple talaq and halala, and guarantees equal property rights for daughters. Scheduled Tribes are exempted to preserve their customary practices.
The UCC was drafted by an expert committee after consulting over 235,000 individuals. Dhami cited Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah for their guidance and highlighted that the implementation fulfills an election promise. The Chief Minister also announced that January 27th will be celebrated annually as “UCC Diwas” in Uttarakhand.
The new code introduces a simplified online registration system and mandates registration for live-in relationships, granting equal rights to children born from such unions. No registration fees will be charged for the first six months. The legal marriage age is now 21 for men and 18 for women, and polygamy is prohibited.
While celebrating this landmark achievement, the Chief Minister stressed that the UCC is not intended to oppose any religion but rather to eradicate social injustices and promote equality among all citizens. The law applies to all residents of Uttarakhand except Scheduled Tribes and certain protected communities. The UCC also establishes a streamlined process for creating and canceling wills.
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