In a landmark decision, Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, 2025.
Being the first state in India to adopt the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Uttarakhand has made history.
In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi “One Nation, One Law” vision, this historic ruling was one of the main pledges made in the BJP electoral campaign for the Uttarakhand Assembly elections in 2022.

Sh. Pushkar Singh Dhami, the chief minister of Uttarakhand, announced the UCC implementation with the intention of establishing consistency in these private civil matters, which were formerly handled according to a person’s religion. The Chief Minister gave the assurance that all preparations had been finished, including training the appropriate staff and approving the Act’s rules.
In response, Chief Minister Dhami stated in an interview that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has kept its pledge during the 2022 assembly elections. He brought up Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which states that a uniform civil code must be implemented nationwide.
The Uniform Civil Code Act of 2024 in Uttarakhand
• Numerous personal laws, including those pertaining to marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance, would be covered under the new legislation.
• All Uttarakhand inhabitants, including those living outside the state, are covered by the Act; however, Scheduled Tribes and some protected populations are not.
• The UCC states that in Uttarakhand, weddings must be consummated between people who meet specific legal requirements, such as the bride and groom having reached the legal ages of 18 and 21, respectively, and being mentally competent.
• Additionally, it has been decided that live-in couples must be registered.
• Additionally, within 60 days of the Act’s implementation, it will be required to register such marriages that have been solemnized.
• The Act offers a straightforward process for online marriage registration.
• Additionally, the Act guarantees the legitimacy of every kid, regardless of their birth circumstances.
• Additionally, a unique clause for an oral or written execution has been introduced for defense personnel.
Overall Responses Regarding the Act
In favor of:-
• The new Act guarantees that discriminatory practices such as polygamy and unequal inheritance rules will be eradicated.
• For many laws and practices, a single Act would assist remove legal ambiguities and complications.
• The Act will support the promotion of inclusivity in the diverse community-based society.
Critic’s point of view:
• It claimed that the Act will violate some communities’ freedoms of religion and culture.
• Some detractors contend that greater community and public participation during the Act’s crafting process would have been preferable.
• There is a chance that conservative segments of society may oppose the Act, which could lead to obstacles.
One could argue that Uttarakhand adoption of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was a landmark step toward establishing a society in which everyone is subject to the same laws. The true test will be how well the legislation is implemented and whether the public accepts it, despite the fact that the Act has drawn both praise and criticism.
One may argue that Uttarakhand has set a model for the rest of the nation as the first Indian state to implement progressive reform after independence. It remains to be seen if this step will result in a Uniform Civil Code across the country.
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