NEW DELHI: Uttarakhand on Monday made history by becoming the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the UCC portal and issued a notification marking the adoption of the civil code.
What is UCC?
UCC is a set of laws that aims to standardise personal laws across religions. It addresses various issues including marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships. It aims to ensure equal property rights and protect children’s rights, with penalties for non-compliance.
The UCC clarifies legal requirements for marriage, stating that only mentally capable individuals aged 21 (for men) or 18 (for women) who are not already married may enter into a union. Marriages can be performed according to religious customs, but registration will be mandatory to ensure legal recognition.
The law also addresses issues related to the creation and cancellation of wills and codicils under testamentary succession. Marriages solemnized before March 26, 2010, or those outside the state will be eligible for registration if legal requirements are met.
