Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Unveils Landmark Uniform Civil Code: Key Provisions on Marriage, Property Rights, and Live-in Relationships

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Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday detailed the provisions of the newly implemented Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which makes the state the first in India to introduce a common set of rules governing marriage, inheritance, maintenance, and other civil matters for all religions.

During his address, Dhami emphasized key aspects of the UCC, including the prohibition of polygamy across all religions in the state. He announced that no individual, regardless of their faith, would be allowed to remarry while their spouse is still alive. He also highlighted that daughters would now receive equal property rights, ensuring gender equality in inheritance laws across communities.

One of the most notable provisions of the UCC is the mandatory registration of live-in relationships. The registrar will not only document these relationships but also inform the couple’s parents, while keeping this information confidential. Furthermore, children born from live-in relationships will have equal rights to inherit property, aligning with the rights of children born within formal marriages.

The UCC also sets a legal minimum age for marriage: 21 years for boys and 18 years for girls, which applies across all religions. The legislation aims to address various social evils, including polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq, by ensuring equal rights and protection for all citizens, particularly women.

In his speech, Dhami clarified that the Uniform Civil Code is a constitutional measure aimed at ending discrimination and promoting women’s empowerment. He assured that the law is not intended to target any particular religion or community, stressing its role in advancing equality for all citizens. The UCC will not apply to Scheduled Tribes as defined under Article 342 of the Constitution, to protect their specific rights and customs.

To mark the historic implementation, Dhami announced that January 27 will now be celebrated annually as Uniform Civil Code Day in Uttarakhand.

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