Uttarakhand Becomes First Indian State to Implement Uniform Civil Code

The new law standardizes regulations on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, with an online portal launched for registrations.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand on January 27, 2025, fulfilling a key BJP electoral promise.
The UCC introduces uniform laws across faiths on issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, while excluding Scheduled Tribes from its purview.
An online portal has been launched for citizens to register marriages, divorces, wills, live-in relationships, and other legal matters, with provisions for appeals and complaints.
The rules mandate timely registrations, with penalties for delays, and aim to ensure transparency, accountability, and data privacy for applicants.
Critics, including Muslim organizations and the Congress party, argue the law is politically motivated and plan to challenge it in court, while supporters claim it promotes equality and women’s rights.