Uttarakhand is on the cusp of making history by becoming the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The state cabinet is set to pass the UCC Bill next week in the assembly, marking the culmination of a long-awaited process. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has declared the arrival of a “long-awaited moment” and assured a thorough examination and discussion of the draft bill before its presentation on February 6th.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from the Uttarakhand UCC draft bill:
Potential Implications
- Ban on Discriminatory Practices: According to a report by Indian Express, The bill might outlaw practices like halala, iddat, and triple talaq, which have been criticized for being discriminatory towards women.
- Uniform Marriage Age: The draft is likely to propose a common marriage age for both men and women across all religions, promoting gender equality.
- Possible Tribal Exemption: Tribal communities, constituting a small percentage of the state’s population, might be excluded from the UCC’s purview.
- Population Control Measures: Reports suggest the bill could incorporate measures for population control, potentially including restrictions on the number of children per family.
- Gender Equality in Inheritance: The UCC might ensure equal inheritance rights for men and women, upholding fairness in property distribution.
- Live-in Relationship Regulation: The draft bill could bring regulations for live-in relationships, offering legal recognition and protection to couples choosing this path.
- Uniform Legal Framework: The UCC aims to establish a standardized legal framework for marriage, divorce, land, and property rights, applicable to all citizens regardless of their faith.
Public Participation and Next Steps
- Extensive Consultation: The UCC panel received over 2.33 lakh written suggestions and engaged with around 60,000 people through 60+ meetings, ensuring a broad-based consultative process.
- First of its Kind: If implemented, Uttarakhand will become the first state in independent India to adopt the UCC, paving the way for potentially nationwide implications.
This development in Uttarakhand has sparked national interest and ignited debates about the potential impact of the UCC on various aspects of society. Whether this legislation paves the way for a more equitable and unified legal system or faces challenges in implementation remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain – the upcoming assembly session in Uttarakhand will be closely watched as the state attempts to navigate this historic endeavor.
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