In a landmark move, the Uttarakhand Assembly has ratified the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill, marking a significant stride towards legal uniformity in personal laws across the state. This historic decision comes after nearly two years of meticulous drafting by a dedicated committee.

With this legislative triumph, Uttarakhand is set to become the first state in post-Independence India to establish a comprehensive UCC, echoing the pioneering efforts of Goa during its Portuguese colonial era.

Chief Minister Puskar Singh Dhami, championing the bill, emphasized its pivotal role in upholding the principles of equality and justice for all citizens, regardless of gender or religious affiliation. He underscored the UCC’s profound impact in combating discrimination against women, stating that it is high time to put an end to injustices perpetrated against “Matrishakti” – the divine feminine.

The essence of the UCC lies in its quest for uniformity in legal frameworks governing crucial aspects of personal life, including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and more, transcending religious boundaries.

Key provisions of the bill include the unequivocal prohibition of polygamy and polyandry under Section 4(i), affirming the principle that neither party shall have a living spouse at the time of marriage. Furthermore, the legislation sets the minimum age for marriage at 18 for girls and 21 for boys, aligning with international standards on child rights.

The bill also lays down strict guidelines regarding prohibited relationships, including those involving common ancestors or relationships between a man and his widowed daughter-in-law.

The passage of the UCC bill signifies a monumental step towards gender equality, social justice, and harmonization of diverse legal traditions. It heralds a new era where every individual, irrespective of creed or gender, stands on equal footing before the law.