Dehradun/New Delhi: Uttarakhand on Tuesday observed its first-ever “Uniform Civil Code Day”, marking the successful implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. The event was held at the Himalayan Cultural Center, Garhi Cantt, where Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed a large gathering and described the day as a historic milestone in the journey towards social justice, equality, and constitutional values.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister honored members of the UCC drafting committee, senior administrative officers involved in its execution, and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLCs) who played a key role in the registration process. He also visited a photo exhibition showcasing the journey of the UCC from formulation to implementation.
“A Golden Chapter in Uttarakhand’s History”: CM Dhami
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami said the day would be recorded as a golden chapter in Uttarakhand’s history, as the UCC was implemented in the state on this very date. He said the law ensures social justice, equality, and dignity for all citizens, irrespective of religion or community.
Referring to India’s civilisational ethos, the Chief Minister said Sanatan culture has always upheld harmony and equality, quoting Lord Shri Krishna’s teaching from the Bhagavad Gita:
“Samo’ham sarva-bhuteshu na me dveshyo’sti na priyah”
(“I am equal to all living beings; I have neither hatred nor favoritism.”)
He said this philosophy reflects India’s centuries-old commitment to justice, humanity, and equality.
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Fulfilment of the Vision of Constitution Makers
The Chief Minister said that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the framers of the Constitution had envisioned a Uniform Civil Code, placing it under Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, believing that a common civil law would strengthen national unity.
He recalled that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP had promised the implementation of UCC in Uttarakhand in its 2022 Assembly election manifesto, a commitment that received overwhelming public support. After assuming office again, the government began work on UCC implementation from day one.
The Uniform Civil Code Bill was passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly on February 7, 2024, received Presidential assent on March 11, 2024, and after framing the required rules, was formally implemented on January 27, 2025.
Beginning of a New Era of Women Empowerment
CM Dhami said that for decades, different personal laws had led to discrimination, inequality, and injustice, especially against women. With the implementation of the UCC, equal rights have been ensured for all citizens, ushering in a new era of women empowerment in Uttarakhand.
He said Muslim women in the state have been freed from practices such as halala, iddat, polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq. Since the implementation of the UCC, not a single case of halala or polygamy has been reported, which is why the law has been welcomed by Muslim women.
The Chief Minister said that while developed and even major Muslim countries have long adopted a uniform civil code, vote-bank politics after independence prevented its implementation in India.
Harmony Through Equality, Not Against Religion
Clarifying misconceptions, the Chief Minister stressed that the Uniform Civil Code is not against any religion or sect. Instead, it is a legal effort to remove social evils and establish harmony through equality.
He said that the core beliefs and religious practices of all faiths remain untouched, while uniform rules have been framed for marriage, divorce, inheritance, property division, and child rights.
- No discrimination has been made among children in property rights
- Equal inheritance rights have been ensured for spouses, children, and parents
Clear legal provisions aim to prevent disputes after death
Mandatory Registration of Live-in Relationships
Considering present-day realities and the safety of young men and women, the UCC mandates registration of live-in relationships. CM Dhami clarified that:
- The registrar will inform parents or guardians while maintaining confidentiality
- Children born from live-in relationships will be considered legitimate
- Such children will enjoy all legal rights equal to biological children
The provision, he said, is meant to protect dignity, safety, and legal rights, not to interfere in personal lives.
From Announcement to Ground-Level Implementation
Calling it a matter of personal pride, the Chief Minister said the UCC has moved beyond announcements to successful ground-level implementation.
He shared key statistics:
- Marriage registrations increased from 67 per day to over 1,400 per day
- Over 30% of gram panchayats have achieved 100% marriage registration
- More than 5 lakh applications received under UCC
- Over 95% applications resolved
- Services delivered through an online portal and 7,500+ Common Service Centers
He said governance has truly reached the doorstep of the people.
Strict Provisions Against Marriage Fraud
The Chief Minister said the state government has recently passed amendments to the UCC, which received the Governor’s assent a day earlier. Under the new provisions:
Marriages can be annulled if identity is concealed or false information is given
Strict punishment has been ensured for force, coercion, fraud, or unlawful acts in marriages and live-in relationships
Strong Decisions Unite the Nation
CM Dhami said that Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya had resolved to abrogate Article 370 and implement the Uniform Civil Code, goals that have now been achieved.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said it has been proven that strong decisions unite the nation, not divide it. He accused some groups of deliberately spreading misinformation about domicile status and live-in registration for political reasons.
He clarified that:
- No one becomes a domicile through UCC
- Live-in registration is meant solely for protection of women’s rights and safety
- Uttarakhand to Inspire the Nation
Drawing a symbolic comparison, the Chief Minister said that just as the Ganga flows from Devbhoomi Uttarakhand to nourish the nation, the stream of the Uniform Civil Code from Uttarakhand will inspire other states to adopt similar reforms.
Strict Action on Polygamy, CM Responds to NGO Allegations
CM Dhami said some cases of polygamy and divorce have come to light and assured that separate and stricter provisions will be introduced to deal with such cases.
Responding to allegations by a US-based NGO accusing him of hate speech, the Chief Minister said if speaking against religious conversion and encroachment on government land is considered hate speech, he considers it acceptable.
Dignitaries Present
Those present included Cabinet Ministers Ganesh Joshi and Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, MP Naresh Bansal, MLAs Khajan Das, Savita Kapoor, Suresh Gadiya, Brij Bhushan Gairola, Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, DGP Deepam Seth, former Chief Secretary and UCC Committee member Shatrughan Singh, Doon University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Surekha Dangwal, and several senior officials and dignitaries.
