Uniform Civil Code Implementation in Uttarakhand

On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for all state residents, except Scheduled Tribes and natives who have migrated out. This makes Uttarakhand the first Indian state to implement UCC post-Independence.

Key Features of the UCC

• The UCC Bill, passed in February the previous year, bans practices like halala, iddat, and talaq from the Muslim Personal Law.
• Ensures equal rights for women in property and inheritance matters.
• Mandates online registration for marriages, divorces, and live-in relationships.
• A government portal, ucc.uk.gov.in, facilitates record access, complaint registration, and will uploads.

Portal Features

• Aadhaar-based verification and AI-based translation in 22 languages, including English.
• Integration with over 13 government departments, including police and courts.
• A 'tatkal' facility for emergencies with a nominal fee.

Registration Deadlines

• Marriages since March 26, 2010, must be registered within six months.
• New marriages should be registered within 60 days.
• Live-in relationships must be registered within a month of UCC implementation.

Additional Provisions

• Landlords cannot deny housing to registered live-in couples.
• Specific information required for divorce or marriage annulment registration.
• Will registration via portal form, handwritten/typed document, or a three-minute video upload.

Administrative Process

• Sub-registrars, registrars, and registrar-general nominated in urban and rural areas.
• Document examination within 15 days, or 3 days in emergencies, with decisions post-clarification.
• Appeals against application rejections can be made to the registrar within 30 days, and decisions are rendered within 60 days. Further appeals can be made to the registrar-general.

The implementation of UCC marks the "beginning of a new era of equality and harmony," reflecting commitment to equal rights for every citizen.