CM Dhami Highlights Pride in Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code Implementation

Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed the first ‘Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Day’ held at the Himalayan Cultural Centre, Garhi Cantt, on Tuesday. During the event, he honoured members of the committee that drafted the UCC, administrative officers involved in its effective implementation, and Village Level Committees (VLCs) that contributed to registration efforts. The Chief Minister also viewed a photo exhibition based on the UCC.

Speaking at the ceremony, CM Dhami described the day as a golden chapter in Uttarakhand’s history, marking the formal enforcement of the Uniform Civil Code in the state. He stated that the UCC ensures social justice, equality, and the establishment of constitutional values. Referring to Sanatan culture, he noted its long-standing tradition of harmony and equality, quoting Lord Krishna’s teaching from the Bhagavad Gita: ‘I am impartial towards all beings; I hold no enmity nor favouritism.’

He recalled that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other constitution framers incorporated the Uniform Civil Code under Article 44 as a directive principle of state policy, advocating a common civil law for all citizens. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Uttarakhand BJP resolved to implement the UCC before the 2022 assembly elections, receiving strong public support for this initiative.

CM Dhami highlighted that immediately after assuming office for the second term, he initiated work to implement the UCC. The Uniform Civil Code Bill was passed by the state assembly on 7 February 2024 and received presidential assent on 11 March 2024. After completing all necessary rules and procedures, the UCC was formally implemented on 27 January 2025.

The Chief Minister pointed out that previously, different personal laws for various communities led to discrimination, inequality, and injustice. The UCC has now provided equal rights to all citizens in Uttarakhand and marked a new era of women’s empowerment. Muslim women in the state have been freed from social evils such as halala, iddat, polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq. Since the UCC’s implementation, not a single case of halala or polygamy has been reported in the state, earning appreciation from Muslim women.

CM Dhami emphasised that the Uniform Civil Code does not target any religion or sect but is a legal effort to eliminate social evils and establish equality among citizens. The law respects the core beliefs and practices of all religions, addressing only harmful customs. It standardises rules related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, property rights, and child welfare across communities. Equal inheritance rights are granted to spouses, children, and parents to prevent disputes after a person’s death.

Addressing contemporary concerns, the Chief Minister mentioned that the law mandates registration of live-in relationships, with confidential notification to the couple’s parents or guardians to ensure the safety and rights of youth. Children born during live-in relationships are recognised with equal rights as biological offspring.

CM Dhami expressed personal pride in successfully taking the UCC from announcement to effective ground-level implementation. Over the past year, government services have become more accessible and transparent through the UCC. Marriage registrations have risen sharply from an average of 67 to over 1,400 per day. In more than 30 percent of the state’s gram panchayats, complete marriage registration has been achieved. The government has received over five lakh applications under the UCC, resolving over 95 percent of them. This progress is supported by an online portal and more than 7,500 active Common Service Centres, bringing governance closer to the people.

He also noted recent amendments to the UCC, approved by the Governor, which allow annulment of marriages if false identity or misinformation is provided at the time of marriage. Strict penalties have been introduced against coercion, fraud, or illegal acts related to marriage and live-in relationships.

CM Dhami referenced the vision of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, who from the founding of the Jan Sangh sought the abrogation of Article 370 and the implementation of the UCC, affirming that these goals have now been fulfilled under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. He acknowledged attempts by some to spread misinformation about the UCC for political gains but stressed that the law does not grant anyone state domicile status nor undermines traditions. The live-in relationship registration protects women’s rights and dignity.

He concluded by expressing hope that Uttarakhand’s UCC will inspire other states to follow suit, just as the Ganga flows from the state to nourish the entire country. He also warned of strict action against cases involving polygamy and divorce violations. Responding to allegations of hate speech by a US-based NGO, CM Dhami defended his stance, asserting that speaking against unlawful religious conversions and government land encroachments cannot be considered hate speech.

The event was attended by Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi, Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, MP Naresh Bansal, MLAs Khajan Das, Savita Kapoor, Suresh Gadiya, Brij Bhushan Gairola, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, DGP Deepam Seth, UCC committee members including former Chief Secretary Shatrughan Singh, Vice Chancellor of Doon University Prof. Surekha Dangwal, Manu Gaur, Ajay Mishra, Special Secretary Home Nivedita Kukreti, and other dignitaries.