Uniform Civil Code in U'khand Soon As CM Dhami Keeps Poll Promise; Expert Panel to be Formed

Uniform Civil Code in U'khand Soon As CM Dhami Keeps Poll Promise; Expert Panel to be Formed At the Earliest

Dhami had said that he will provide a transparent government and fulfill the BJP's all pre-poll commitments, including bringing a Uniform Civil Code. (Image: PTI)

The Uniform Civil Code essentially calls for the formulation of one law for India, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc

News18.com New Delhi
Last Updated:March 24, 2022, 19:09 IST
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Keeping his poll promise, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday announced to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and said that the state cabinet has unanimously approved that a committee of experts will be formed at the earliest for the same.

Uniform Civil Code has been one of the main poll planks of the BJP over the past several decades. The saffron party has been a strong advocate of UCC and its MPs have previously listed Private Member's Bills, advocating for its implementation.

Addressing the media after his first state cabinet meeting, Dhami said, "We have decided to implement the Uniform Civil Code in the state. The state cabinet unanimously approved that a committee (of experts) will be constituted at the earliest and it will be implemented in the state. This will be the first state to do so."

Dhami, who was sworn in as Uttarakhand's Chief Minister for the second term on Wednesday, had said that he will provide a transparent government and fulfill the BJP's all pre-poll commitments, including bringing a Uniform Civil Code in the state.

'A Significant Step'

On February 12, Dhami had promised that the BJP if re-elected to power in Uttarakhand will constitute a committee to prepare a draft Uniform Civil Code soon after its new government is sworn in. The panel will comprise legal experts, retired people, intellectuals, and other stakeholders, he had announced on the last day of campaigning for the 70 assembly seats in Uttarakhand that went to polls on February 14.

The ambit of the committee will cover issues related to marriage, divorce, landed property and succession, he had said in Hindi in a video statement, adding, "It will be a significant step towards fulfilling the dreams of India's Constitution makers and will realise the spirit of the Constitution. It will also be an effective step towards Article 44 of the Indian Constitution which presents the concept of equitable law for all citizens of society regardless of their religion."

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From time to time, the Supreme Court, too, has underscored the need for a Uniform Civil Code and also expressed concern over no steps being taken in this direction, he had said, adding that the BJP government in Uttarakhand will derive inspiration for the decision from Goa which has set an example before the country by implementing a common civil code. A common civil code will promote social amity and gender equality besides strengthening women empowerment, Dhami added.

For the unversed, in 2019, a Supreme Court bench had expressed disappointment over the lack of UCC, saying, "Whereas the founders of the Constitution in Article 44 in Part IV dealing with the Directive Principles of State Policy had hoped and expected that the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territories of India, till date no action has been taken in this regard."

What is Uniform Civil Code?

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) essentially calls for the formulation of one law for India, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc. It comes under Article 44 of the Constitution, which lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.

ALSO READ: What is Uniform Civil Code That Delhi HC Wants Govt to Implement? Know its History, Importance

Currently, different laws regulate these aspects in India for adherents of different religions, for example, Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Indian Christian Marriages Act, Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act. However, Muslim personal laws are not codified and are based on their religious texts.

(with inputs from PTI)

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