The Uttarakhand government has made it clear that the Uniform Civil Code will not be applicable to members of the Scheduled Tribes community.
The UCC bill aims to establish a uniform set of laws regarding marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance for all citizens in the state, regardless of their religion, with the exception of the Scheduled Tribes. In the Uttarakhand Assembly, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that the UCC will promote equality and eliminate discrimination, particularly against women. He stressed the need to put an end to injustices and mistreatment towards women, and ensure that they receive equal rights and opportunities.
Major developments of this UCC bill.
The proposal for mandatory registration of live-in relationships and the potential jail term of up to six months for non-compliance has created uncertainty for numerous couples who have chosen to keep their personal lives private, without informing their families or society. Some individuals, who have requested anonymity, express concerns that this proposed code could be misused to target them, as they navigate this new reality.
In 2022, the Uttarakhand government established a panel, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, to draft a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The panel, which included retired justice Pramod Kohli, social activist Manu Gaur, former Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Shatrughan Singh, and Vice Chancellor of Doon University, Surekha Dangwal, meticulously prepared a comprehensive report spanning over 740 pages and divided into four volumes.
To ensure a thorough and inclusive report, the panel gathered extensive feedback, both written and online, conducted numerous public forums, organized 43 public outreach programs, and engaged with over 60,000 individuals. Chief Minister Dhami emphasizes that the UCC Bill is the result of a transparent process involving public dialogue, deliberation, and valuable suggestions.
Reportedly, the UCC Uttarakhand 2024 Bill encompasses proposals such as a total prohibition on polygamy and child marriage. As per an India Today report, several noteworthy provisions of the Bill comprise of - equitable inheritance rights for both sons and daughters, eradication of the differentiation between legitimate and illegitimate offspring, equitable property rights post demise, and recognition of both adopted and biological children.
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