Uttarakhand to Implement Uniform Civil Code from January 2025
Uttarakhand will become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) from January 2025. The framers of the Constitution have made it a provision in the Constitution, but till now it has not being implemented in any state. The state government says that with the implementation of UCC, there will be equality in all types of personal laws in the spirit of true secularism.
There will be a ban on more than one marriage in communities. Illegal divorce will be declared a crime. This will include practices such as triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat), khula and jihar. All marriages solemnized validly will get legal recognition.
Regulation on Marriage Registration
Husbands and wives will have to register their marriages. Failure to do so will result in a fine of Rs 25,000. If you are living in a live-in relationship and do not register, then you can be punished. The registration record is accessible to all to prevent fraudulent marriages or multiple marriages.
What is the Provision?
Under this law, the father has the status of a legal guardian. The mother has been made the guardian. Generally, there is a provision to give custody of children under the age of five to the mother. Children born out of extramarital or live-in relationships will be considered legitimate. They will also get equal right of succession.
Provision for Adoption?
The Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act and the Juvenile Justice Act will decide the process of adoption. However, the Uniform Civil Code did not make registration of Hindu adoptions mandatory.
Regulations Regarding Personal Law and Traditions
Practices that impose the condition of remarriage under the UCC have been termed as illegal. Under this, traditions like divorce from panchayats have been declared a crime. In the event of breakdown of marriage, the provisions of Mehr and Maintenance have been retained.
Why is Uniform Civil Code necessary?
The Uniform Civil Code is a law to end discrimination against people in the matter of personal law. With the implementation of this, citizens will no longer be discriminated against due to Hindu Marriage Law, Shariat Law and Christian Marriage Laws. This law will treat everyone equally. The goal of UCC is equality, justice which is a law that promotes national unity and integrity.