Uttarakhand releases expert committee's report on Uniform Civil Code: Report

The 169-page report that the UCC seeks to move towards constitutional goals of creating an “egalitarian society”.

Uttarakhand, the first Indian state to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), has released a report by the committee that drafted the law. The five-member committee deliberated for nearly two years before the state cabinet and assembly passed the UCC, reported Hindustan Times.

The report hails the UCC as a step towards achieving India's "lofty constitutional goals." These goals include creating a society based on equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity, while also fostering national unity and integrity, according to the HT report.

The UCC has sparked intense debate for its provisions including mandatory registration of live-in relationships and restrictions on polygamy, amid ongoing efforts by other BJP-led states to enact similar laws.

A few months before the Lok Sabha elections, the Uttarakhand legislature enacted the legislation in February. Officials stated that the process of drafting regulations was underway and that they would probably be finalised by the end of 2024, HT said.

The Uniform Civil Code, aimed at establishing uniform laws across personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession irrespective of religion, has been a contentious issue in Indian politics. It has been a central promise in BJP manifestos, viewed by supporters as promoting equality and unity. Critics, however, argue that it undermines the country's pluralistic fabric and diversity of personal laws based on religion.

Even though several BJP administrations have since pledged to enact UCC, the Uttarakhand government took the lead in May 2022 by forming an expert draft committee consisting of five members, led by retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. Less than two years later, on February 2, the panel presented its proposal to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. Five days later, the state parliament approved it, and in March, President Droupadi Murmu gave his approval, reported HT.

Member of the UCC draft committee Shatrughan Singh stated that they will attempt to satisfy an October deadline set by the government for finishing the procedure. He declared, "We are dedicated to achieving the goal."

By bringing the "personal laws of the different communities under one umbrella and in line with contemporary realities without unnecessarily infringing on the varied religious rites, rituals, and ceremonies," the UCC hopes to move towards constitutional goals of creating an "egalitarian society," according to the 169-page report. According to the study, "customs and usages that are not against morality and public order are also sought to be protected."

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “The people of the state had elected us for this work. After the implementation of UCC here, many complexities in the laws will be simplified, people will get justice easily, and a uniform system will be implemented for all.”