Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand Begins Today: Halala Practice to End

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Uttarakhand is going to create history on Monday. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented here. In this way, Uttarakhand will become the first state in India to do so. The Uniform Civil Code will not only be applicable in the entire state, but it will also apply to the people of Uttarakhand living outside the state. This historic bill will be implemented at around 12:30 pm. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will unveil the UCC portal today just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the state.

Uniform Civil Code (UCC) means that there will be only one law for all citizens living in the country, irrespective of their religion, caste or gender. As soon as it is implemented, uniformity is seen in all rights including marriage, divorce, live-in relationship, right to adopt a child. Then the rules cannot be different on the basis of religion.

The UCC ensures equal property rights for both sons and daughters. Polygamy will be banned under the UCC, and monogamy will be considered the norm under this historic law. According to the UCC, the minimum age for marriage has been set at 21 years for boys and 18 years for girls.

The marriage will be performed as per the religious customs of the couple and registration of marriage will be mandatory. After the UCC is implemented, there will be no difference between legitimate and illegitimate children as the law aims to eliminate this difference on property rights. Once the UCC is implemented, all children will be recognised as biological children.

What will change?

– After the implementation of UCC, it will be mandatory to register marriage.

– There will be a uniform law of divorce for any religion, caste or sect.

– The minimum age of marriage for girls of every religion and caste will be 18 years.

– All religions will have the right to adopt a child, but a child of another religion cannot be adopted.

– Practices like Halala and Iddat will be stopped in Uttarakhand.

– It will be completely prohibited to marry a second time when a husband and wife are alive.

– Boys and girls will have equal share in the property.

– It is necessary to get registered for live-in relationships.

– If the age of the people in live-in relationship is less than 18 and 21 years, then the consent of the parents will have to be taken.

– The child born from live-in will get the same rights as the child of a married couple.

– Schedule Tribes have been excluded from the Uniform Civil Code.