By Uttarakhand has made history by becoming the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has called this a “very auspicious sign”, stating that it is only a matter of time before UCC is adopted nationwide. This development has ignited debates on legal uniformity, gender equality, and religious laws. Will India soon embrace “One Nation, One Law”?
Uttarakhand’s Historic Move on UCC: A Step Towards Nationwide Implementation?
Introduction
In a landmark decision, Uttarakhand has become the first state in India to enforce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, addressing the Rajya Sabha internship programme in Delhi, praised the move, stating that a nationwide UCC is inevitable.
With this development, the long-standing debate on common civil laws has gained fresh momentum. The big question now is: Will India soon have a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens?
What is the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a set of laws that govern personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. It aims to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures with a single common civil law for all.
The UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which urges the state to implement uniform laws across the country. However, due to political and religious sensitivities, its nationwide implementation has remained a contentious issue.
Uttarakhand: The First State to Enforce UCC
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand has taken the bold step of implementing the Uniform Civil Code. The state government conducted extensive consultations before finalizing its UCC, which includes:
Uttarakhand’s implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a historic step in India’s legal evolution. With Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar advocating for a nationwide UCC, the debate on “One Nation, One Law” is at the forefront of national discussions.
While challenges remain, Uttarakhand has set a precedent that could shape India’s legal landscape for the future. Whether the entire country will adopt the UCC remains to be seen, but the momentum is undeniably building.
