Dehradun, India – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the Uttarakhand government for becoming the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), calling it a “non-discriminatory” measure that upholds constitutional values and promotes equality among citizens.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Modi emphasized that the UCC aligns with the spirit of democracy and described it as a “Secular Civil Code” that ensures fairness for all communities.
"The world recognizes that the 21st century belongs to India. After offering prayers at Baba Kedar, I truly felt that this is the decade of Uttarakhand. I am delighted to witness the state's rapid progress," he said, applauding Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership in enacting the law.
Uttarakhand Becomes First Indian State to Implement UCC
On January 27, Uttarakhand officially implemented the UCC, with Chief Minister Dhami launching a dedicated portal, rules framework, and Gazette notification in Dehradun. He described the move as a tribute to the framers of the Indian Constitution, particularly Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and members of the Constituent Assembly, who advocated for a uniform legal framework.
"By implementing the UCC, we are ensuring equality in personal laws and fulfilling the true vision of our Constitution’s makers," Dhami stated.
The Uniform Civil Code establishes a single legal framework for all citizens regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance, regardless of religious affiliation. While India has a unified criminal code, civil laws have historically varied based on religious customs and traditions.
A Key Agenda of the Modi Government
The implementation of UCC has been a longstanding commitment of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, which has argued that uniform personal laws are essential for gender justice and national unity.
However, the move has sparked intense political and legal debates. Opposition parties and Muslim organizations contend that the UCC interferes with Islamic laws governing marriage, divorce, and inheritance, raising concerns over the potential erosion of religious freedoms.
Despite the opposition, the Modi government maintains that the UCC promotes equality, legal uniformity, and national integration, positioning it as a crucial step in modernizing India’s legal system.
With Uttarakhand leading the way, the implementation of UCC at a national level remains a key policy objective, setting the stage for further legislative and judicial deliberations in the coming months.
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