Uttarakhand has made history by becoming the first state in India to embrace the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). On Wednesday, the Uttarakhand assembly unanimously passed the UCC Bill 2024 through a voice vote following a two-day debate. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed this achievement as a momentous occasion for the country.

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) pertains to a uniform set of laws applicable to all Indian citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations, addressing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption. The Chief Minister asserted that while the bill is not discriminatory, women stand to receive specific advantages and benefits.

Upon the bill's introduction, the opposition insisted on its referral to a select committee within the assembly. Uttarakhand is poised to be the pioneer state in adopting the Uniform Civil Code, establishing a unified legal framework for marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance applicable to all citizens, regardless of their religious or caste affiliations.

The state government presented a bill on Tuesday advocating compulsory registration for live-in relationships. Failure to comply with this requirement could lead to a six-month imprisonment. This has created uncertainty for numerous couples who have chosen to keep their relationships private and live discreetly.

Emerging just two months ahead of the Lok Sabha election, the Uttarakhand UCC bill successfully checks off a crucial element on the BJP's agenda, effectively fulfilling its commitments.