The News Freedom
Dehradun, February 6
In a move with national implications, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami tabled the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill in the state assembly on Tuesday. This bill proposes a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance for all citizens (excluding Scheduled Tribes), regardless of their religion. Notably, the bill also mandates registration of live-in relationships and grants rights to individuals involved. This development marks a significant legislative step and is likely to spark debate and scrutiny at both state and national levels
The UCC Bill included the provisions of entitlement for women abandoned by live-in partners to receive maintenance and legitimacy for children born out of such relationships. Additionally, severe penalties are outlined for individuals found providing false information regarding live-in relationships to the Registrar.
विधानसभा में ऐतिहासिक "समान नागरिक संहिता विधेयक" पेश किया। #UCCInUttarakhand pic.twitter.com/uJS1abmeo7
— Pushkar Singh Dhami (Modi Ka Parivar) (@pushkardhami) February 6, 2024
This milestone was achieved during the ongoing special four-day session of the assembly, which commenced on Monday. The Uttarakhand Cabinet had previously endorsed the conclusive draft of the UCC on Sunday, with the objective of establishing uniform civil laws applicable across all communities in the state.
A draft of the UCC was presented to Chief Minister Dhami by a five-member committee headed by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. The introduction of the UCC Bill fulfills a significant electoral promise made by the BJP during the 2022 Assembly polls.
In response to the UCC Bill presentation, state minister Prem Chand Aggarwal highlighted the extensive consultation process undertaken, with the UCC Committee conducting 72 meetings and receiving suggestions from over 2.72 lakh individuals via email and WhatsApp.