The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was drafted by the Uttarakhand government. It was approved by the state cabinet. Today, the final draft will be taken up by the Uttarakhand assembly. If this bill is passed by the assembly, then Uttarakhand will be the first state to adopt UCC in the post-Independence era.
Article 44 from Part 4 of the Indian Constitution deals with the Uniform Civil Code, which says, “The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India." In brief, it replaces personal law and brings laws that are equal for everyone, irrespective of religion, caste, gender, and others. So far, no state in India has adopted UCC. Goa has a common civil code, which it is following since the time it was under Portuguese rule.
The Uttarakhand government appointed a panel led by Ranjana Prakash Desai, a retired Supreme Court judge. This panel drafted recommendations and made a four-volume, 749-page report by taking feedback from people through online and public forums. The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, stated that this bill aligns with the PM’s vision of 'Sab ka Saath, Sab ka Vikas' and 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’
A few recommendations that are included in the UCC draft are:
Marriage: -
Ban on polygamy and child marriage
Standard marriage age for girls across all faiths
Uniform process for divorce
Live-in couples can register their relationship
Compulsory marriage registration
Absence of marriage registration will result in ineligibility for governmental benefits
Inheritance
Abolish gender-based discrimination in inheritance laws, ensuring equal rights for sons and daughters
All children are equal regardless of their birth circumstances.
Equitable treatment and opportunities for both adopted and biological children
In the event of a person's death, equal property rights for the spouse, children, and parents
Adoption:
Adoption rights for everyone, including Muslim women
Simplified adoption procedures
Religious Practices:
Ban on practices like halal and iddat