Uttarakhand, a state in northern India, is set to embark on a historic legislative journey with the introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
UCC Draft Completed for Uttarakhand
The Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, announced on Monday that a five-member expert committee, led by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Desai, has completed its task of preparing a draft for the UCC. The committee is slated to submit the draft on February 2, marking a significant step toward the implementation of the UCC in the state.
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Chief Minister Dhami expressed his government’s unwavering commitment to fulfill its electoral promise of introducing the UCC before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The pledge was made to the people of Uttarakhand, who bestowed their trust on the government during the state assembly elections.
In a video statement, Dhami highlighted the significance of the UCC, framing it as a commitment to the vision of “One India, Best India,” as advocated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The committee has finished its work and informed us that they will submit the draft on February 2, after which we will assess it. We will put it in front of the cabinet and take the required steps towards making it an Act,” stated Chief Minister Dhami, outlining the legislative process that will follow the submission of the draft.
Scheduled for deliberation on February 5
A special one-day session of the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly has been scheduled for February 5 to deliberate on and potentially pass the Uniform Civil Code Bill.
This session reflects the government’s urgency and determination to expedite the legislative process, signaling a proactive approach in realizing the commitment made to the electorate.
The journey towards the UCC in Uttarakhand began with the formation of the expert committee on May 27, 2022. The committee comprises legal luminaries and experts, including Justice Pramod Kohli from the Delhi High Court, former chief secretary Shatrughan Singh, Doon University Vice-Chancellor Surekha Dangwal, and social worker Manu Gaur.
Not just Religious Considerations
The inclusion of such diverse expertise ensures a comprehensive and nuanced approach to the drafting of the UCC, addressing legal, administrative, and social considerations.
Notably, the committee’s report is expected to underscore principles of gender equality and advocate for equal rights for daughters in ancestral properties. This aligns with a broader societal shift towards recognizing and rectifying historical disparities in property rights.
However, it is noteworthy that the committee has not recommended raising the marriageable age of women to 21 years, opting to retain the age at 18 years. This decision reflects a balance between traditional norms and contemporary perspectives on marriage and adulthood.
Chief Minister Dhami, in a previous statement, emphasized that the government’s commitment to implementing the UCC is in line with the larger national vision. He reiterated that the UCC’s introduction is not just a state-specific endeavor but aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a unified and harmonious India.
Other states to follow
The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand holds broader implications for the national landscape. Chief Minister Dhami has expressed confidence that once the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly passes the UCC, two other states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — Gujarat and Assam — are likely to follow suit.
This anticipated domino effect underscores the potential for the UCC to become a legislative reality in multiple states, creating a more uniform legal framework across the country.
If the proposed timeline unfolds as planned, three states — Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam — will enact the Uniform Civil Code before the Lok Sabha elections scheduled in the next few months. This coordinated effort among BJP-ruled states adds a political dimension to the UCC implementation, showcasing a united stance on legal reforms within the party.
In 2022, after assuming office for the second time, Chief Minister Dhami made the pivotal decision to prioritize the UCC in the state’s legislative agenda. This proactive approach reflects the government’s commitment to initiating transformative legal changes early in its term, aligning with the promises made to the electorate.
As the UCC makes its way through the legislative process, it is crucial to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of this legal reform. The committee’s emphasis on gender equality and property rights signifies a progressive step toward dismantling entrenched societal norms that have historically disadvantaged certain segments of the population. It also signals a shift towards a more inclusive and equitable legal framework that reflects the evolving values of contemporary Indian society.