What is the Uniform Civil Code?
On 6th February 2024, the Uttarakhand government introduced the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Uttarakhand 2024 Bill in the state legislative assembly. The UCC means having the same rules for everyone, no matter what religion they follow. These rules deal with personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance.
The UCC wants to make one set of rules for everyone in Uttarakhand instead of having different rules based on different religions. At the time of writing this, the Bill is being discussed at the state assembly. It will become a law only if the Bill is passed by the assembly and signed by the governor.
What are some rules under the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Uttarakhand 2024 Bill?
The UCC has some important rules. It bans polygamy and child marriage. It also sets an age before which girls can’t marry regardless of religion. It also creates a uniform process for divorce.
The Bill also ensures equal property rights for both sons and daughters. Even though not all the details of the law are known yet, there are laws about land, inheritance, property, etc.
These are some recommendations under the state's UCC Bill. The Bill’s recommendations aim to create gender equality and social unity. If the Bill passes and becomes law, Uttarakhand will be the first post-independence Indian state to implement the UCC. However, another state already has a UCC.
Which Indian state has a Uniform Civil Code in place?
Goa is the only state where UCC has been in use for many years. Their UCC was issued by the Portuguese in 1867. In Goa, everyone, regardless of religion, follows the same marriage, divorce, and inheritance rules. Goa was allowed to follow the UCC even after joining India in 1962.
The rules ensure that wealth and income are distributed equally between husbands, wives, and children, regardless of gender. There are many rules about marriage, divorce, and property rights. However, there are also some problems with it, especially related to marriage, adopted children, and divorce.
So, do you think Uttarakhand’s UCC Bill should be implemented? Tell us in the comments.
