Uttarakhand’s UCC Bill aims for legal uniformity and equality.
UCC Bill Approval:
Uttarakhand’s Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, as recommended by a government-appointed committee. The bill is scheduled for presentation in the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 6.
Key Provisions:
Equal Property Rights: Sons and daughters will have equal property rights under the proposed UCC bill, regardless of gender.
Elimination of Distinctions: The bill aims to abolish distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children regarding property rights, recognizing all children as equal.
Inclusivity: Adopted, surrogacy-born, or assisted reproductive technology children will be treated equally with biological children.
Equal Inheritance: After a person’s demise, the spouse, children, and parents will have equal property rights, a departure from previous laws favouring only mothers.
The bill’s primary objective is to ensure consistency in marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance laws, irrespective of religion. Other recommendations include banning polygamy and child marriage, standardizing marriageable ages, and regulating divorce proceedings.
Additional Features of the UCC Draft Bill:
Criminalization of Religious Practices: Practices like halala, iddat, and triple talaq will be punishable offences.
Ban on Polygamy: Polygamy will be prohibited across religions.
Uniform Marriage Age: A fixed marriage age for both genders will be standardized.
Exemption for Tribal Communities: Tribal populations may be exempt from specific provisions.
Population Control Measures: Measures to regulate population growth will be implemented.
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Equality in Inheritance: Gender disparities in inheritance will be eliminated.
Regulation of Live-in Relationships: Live-in relationships will be addressed and regulated.
Comprehensive Legal Framework: Marriage, divorce, land, and property rights will be governed by a unified legal structure.
Extensive Public Consultation: Over 2.33 lakh suggestions were received, ensuring inclusivity.
Historic Move: If successful, Uttarakhand will join Goa as the only states with an operational UCC, marking a significant post-Independence achievement.
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