Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code today.
On Monday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami provided details on the newly implemented Uniform Civil Code, announcing that polygamy has been prohibited for all religions in the state and that daughters now have equal rights to inherit parental property.
Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code today, establishing uniform rules for marriage, inheritance, maintenance, and other civil matters across all religions.
Dhami stated that no person, regardless of religion, will be allowed to remarry while their spouse is still alive. He also emphasized that daughters will have equal property rights across all religions.
He further explained that live-in relationships will now require registration, with the registrar notifying the couple’s parents. He clarified that children born from live-in relationships will also have equal property rights.
“The minimum marriage age is now mandatory for all religions—21 years for men and 18 years for women. Second marriages are strictly prohibited while either spouse is alive. The Uniform Civil Code also includes clear laws on property division and child rights. Daughters are granted equal property rights in all religions and communities. Children born from live-in relationships will have the same property rights as those born in marriage. Under this law, registering live-in relationships is mandatory, and the registrar will confidentially inform the parents of the couple,” Dhami was quoted as saying by ANI.
Dhami also announced that January 27th will be celebrated as Uniform Civil Code Day in Uttarakhand.
He added that the UCC aims to eliminate discrimination, saying, “The Uniform Civil Code is a constitutional measure designed to end discrimination. It seeks to provide equal rights to all citizens and will ensure true women’s empowerment. This law will help eradicate social evils like Halala, polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq. We have excluded scheduled tribes mentioned under Article 342 of the Constitution to safeguard their rights. I want to emphasize once again that the Uniform Civil Code is not against any religion or community, and there is no intent to target anyone,” Dhami concluded.
Today, Dhami launched the UCC portal, officially marking the implementation of the legislation.
An official statement from the Uttarakhand government reads, “In exercise of the powers granted by sub-section (2) of section 1 of The Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand, 2024 (Act no. 3 of 2024), the Governor has appointed January 27, 2025, as the date on which the said Code will come into force.”
The UCC applies to all residents of Uttarakhand, with the exception of Scheduled Tribes and individuals and communities under the protection of specific authorities.
