In a significant development, the committee appointed to draft the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand has submitted its recommendations to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The committee, led by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, presented the UCC draft to Dhami during a dedicated event at Mukhya Sevak Sadan. The submission took place amidst heightened security outside Dhami’s official residence.
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Key provisions outlined in the draft encompass a ban on polygamy, equal inheritance rights, and the mandatory declaration of live-in relationships. The recommendations also address the sensitive issues of halal, iddat, and triple talaq, treating them as punishable offences under Muslim personal law.
Notably, the proposed UCC is set to be discussed in a special four-day session of the Uttarakhand assembly scheduled from February 5 to 8.
Of significant note is the committee’s recommendation to exempt tribals, constituting 2.9% of Uttarakhand’s population, from the UCC, recognizing their distinct status.
This consideration comes in response to dissent voiced by tribal communities, including Jaunsari, Bhotiyas, Tharus, Rajis, and Buksas.
The draft report also addresses the legal aspects of live-in relationships, proposing mandatory registration. Additionally, it discusses the minimum legal marriage age for women, suggesting retention at 18 years or a potential increase to 21 years, leaving the decision to the government when formulating the final Bill. Adoption rights are recommended to be uniformly aligned with existing laws under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
While the Center’s recent budget hinted at addressing challenges related to population growth and demographic changes through a high-powered committee, the UCC draft does not provide specific recommendations on population control measures.
The comprehensive 800-page report is divided into four volumes: the committee report, the draft code in English, a public consultation report, and the draft code in Hindi.
Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the BJP’s commitment to implementing the UCC, highlighting the formation of the committee as a fulfilment of the party’s pre-election promise. Following the review of the report, the state government aims to swiftly prepare a draft UCC law, furthering the legislative process.
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