After a prolonged wait, the Uttarakhand cabinet is on the verge of passing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, as confirmed by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. A government-appointed panel submitted an extensive document to the Chief Minister, paving the way for the anticipated legislation. CM Dhami announced that the UCC draft will undergo thorough examination, study, and discussion before being presented in the state assembly on February 6.
Special Assembly Session Convened for UCC Legislation
To expedite the legislative process, a special four-day session of the assembly has been scheduled from February 5-8, dedicated to discussing and passing legislation related to the Uniform Civil Code. This move reflects the government’s commitment to legal uniformity and addressing diverse aspects of personal laws.
Musical Prelude: “Aa Raha Hai UCC”
In an innovative approach to engage the public, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami released a music video titled “Aa Raha Hai UCC” (UCC is coming). The title song, composed by Rakesh Bhatt and sung by Bhupendra Baseda, adds a creative touch to the forthcoming UCC legislation.
Key Provisions of Uttarakhand’s UCC Bill: A Sneak Peek
- Punishment for Triple Talaq, Halala, and Iddat: The UCC Bill in Uttarakhand is expected to declare practices such as triple talaq, halala, and iddat as punishable offenses, signaling a move towards gender justice and equality.
- Polygamy Ban: The proposed legislation may impose a ban on polygamy, ensuring monogamy as the accepted norm within the legal framework.
- Uniform Marriage Age: The UCC Bill is likely to establish a uniform marriage age for both men and women across religions, fostering consistency in personal laws.
- Exemption for Tribal Communities: Tribal communities, constituting 2.9% of the state’s population, might be exempted from certain provisions of the UCC Bill to respect their cultural practices.
- Population Control Measures: The bill may incorporate measures for population control, promoting uniformity in the number of children allowed.
- Equal Treatment in Inheritance: Provisions within the UCC are anticipated to treat men and women equally in matters pertaining to inheritance, contributing to gender-neutral legal practices.
- Regulation of Live-in Relationships: The UCC is expected to introduce regulations governing live-in relationships, providing legal clarity in this evolving aspect of personal relationships.
- Uniform Framework for Marriage, Divorce, Land, and Property: The UCC aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for uniform rules governing marriage, divorce, land, and property, applicable to all citizens irrespective of their religion.
Public Engagement and Historic Significance
The UCC panel received an overwhelming response, with 2.33 lakh written suggestions and over 60 meetings engaging around 60,000 people. If successfully implemented, Uttarakhand will emerge as the first state in independent India to adopt the Uniform Civil Code, showcasing a historic stride towards legal consistency. Goa, with its historical association with Portuguese rule, has been the only region in the country with an operational UCC.
