Uttarakhand will enforce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) starting January 27, becoming the second state after Goa to establish uniform laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and property for all citizens. This milestone follows the BJP’s 2022 electoral promise and the bill’s approval in the state Assembly last year.
Key provisions include mandatory registration of live-in relationships, with parental consent required for individuals under 21. Failure to declare live-in relationships or delayed registrations could result in fines up to ₹25,000 and jail terms. Marriage registration will also be compulsory, and the legal marriage age for all citizens will be 21 years to encourage education before marriage.
The UCC prohibits polygamy, child marriage, triple talaq, and nikah halala. It ensures equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters, eliminates gender biases, and legitimizes children born from live-in relationships. However, Scheduled Tribes are exempt from the Code.
