Dehradun: The Government of Uttarakhand has enforced the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, following the approval of the state Governor. Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) issued the ordinance under Article 213 of the Constitution, bringing the amendments into immediate effect.
Key Changes Introduced in the UCC Amendment
The ordinance introduces procedural, administrative, and punitive reforms aimed at ensuring effective, transparent, and smooth implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. Notable modifications include replacing the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, with the Indian Civil Security Code, 2023, and introducing the Indian Justice Code, 2023, for penal provisions.
Under Section 12, the authority to act has shifted from ‘Secretary’ to ‘Additional Secretary’. Additionally, if the Sub-Registrar fails to act within the prescribed timeframe, the case is automatically forwarded to the Registrar and Registrar General.
The amendment also grants the Sub-Registrar the right to appeal against imposed penalties and stipulates that penalty recovery will be treated as land revenue recovery.
Strengthening Marriage and Relationship Laws
The ordinance makes false representation of identity at the time of marriage a ground for annulment. It enforces strict punitive measures against coercion, fraud, or illegal acts in marriage and live-in relationships. Furthermore, a certificate of termination will be issued by the Registrar upon the end of a live-in relationship.
The term ‘widow’ in Schedule 2 has been replaced with ‘spouse’. The power to cancel registrations related to marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, and inheritance has been vested in the Registrar General.
Objective Behind the Amendments
The amendments seek to clarify and strengthen the provisions of the Uniform Civil Code, enhance administrative efficiency, and better protect the rights of citizens across Uttarakhand.
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