Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Manual for Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Manual for Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Earlier this year, the Uttarakhand Assembly's UCC Bill received presidential assent, setting the stage for the state to potentially become the first in India to implement the UCC.

About UCC:

• Meaning: The UCC aims to create a uniform set of personal laws for all citizens, irrespective of religion, gender, or caste, covering issues such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession.
• Constitutional Provisions: The Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV), under Article 44, calls for the State to secure a UCC for all citizens across India.
• Current Status: Currently, personal laws are governed by individual religious laws.
• Goa: The state has provisions similar to the UCC under the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867.

Need for UCC:

• Gender Equity: Current laws around marriage, divorce, etc., often discriminate against women.
• Social Cohesion: The diverse religious and ethnic legal frameworks in India can lead to divisions.
• Reforming Indian Society: The UCC could address many outdated and conservative practices upheld in the name of religion and belief.

Major Challenges in Implementing UCC:

• Balancing Individual Rights with State Intervention: Article 25 guarantees freedom of religion, while the 5th and 6th Schedules provide protections for tribal customs and beliefs.
• Opposition from Religious Groups and Leaders: Concerns that the UCC may interfere with religious laws and customs, potentially causing social and political unrest.

Conclusion:
It is crucial to create a secular code that prioritizes equality, justice, and inclusivity, focusing not on uniformity, but on upholding constitutional principles.

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