by Muslim Mirror Staff
Discussions surrounding the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) have gained momentum ahead of the 2024 elections, particularly in BJP-controlled regions. Notably, Uttarakhand is set to become the first state in India where the Uniform Civil Code will be enforced. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has made this announcement.
There have been several revelations about the implications of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand, highlighting the provisions of the law and the consequences for violating its principles.
According to recent reports, the implementation of the uniform civil code in Uttarakhand is said to encompass population control measures. This inclusion is based on entry 20A of the concurrent list.
In addition to population control, family planning aspects will also be incorporated into the Uniform Civil Code. The framework for this integration is expected to follow a similar approach to the Responsible Parenthood Bill of 2018 that was introduced in Parliament.
The provisions introduced through this legislation are notably stringent. Individuals who violate the two-child rule will face consequences such as the denial of their right to vote, and there is a possibility that access to government facilities may be revoked.
These measures were deemed necessary by the BJP due to the rapidly “changing demographics of Uttarakhand.”
The BJP had included the Uniform Civil Code as part of its election manifesto in Uttarakhand. Following the formation of the government, efforts to implement the code have commenced.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently announced that the implementation will take place soon, with the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the “Enlightenment Conference” in Dehradun.
During the conference, Rajnath Singh emphasized the importance of the Uniform Civil Code for building a better society and nation.
Chief Minister Dhami expressed that the UCC has garnered strong support from the people of the state. He emphasized that the code is not intended for any specific class, but rather for the overall welfare of the general public.
There are indications that the marriageable age for girls may be raised under the proposed Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand.
Additionally, an expert committee is conducting a comprehensive study on banning practices like ‘iddat’.
Proposed reforms in Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) encompass various measures. These include prohibiting polygamy within the state, requiring the declaration and parental notification of live-in relationships, ensuring equal inheritance rights for girls regarding ancestral property, enabling adoption for all individuals, and implementing equal grounds for divorce applicable to both husbands and wives.
It is worth noting that the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code has been a contentious issue in India due to its potential impact on religious and cultural practices. Critics argue that it may infringe upon the rights and traditions of minority communities, while proponents argue that it is necessary to establish a more uniform and egalitarian legal framework across the country.