The Uttarakhand government is set to convene a special session of the state assembly in the near future to introduce the draft of the Uniform Civil Code, according to sources. Earlier this year, a committee formed by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami prepared the draft in collaboration with a diverse group of citizens, engaging with over 2 lakh people and key stakeholders.
The Uniform Civil Code entails a unified set of laws applicable to all Indian citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations, governing aspects such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
Image source: OpIndia
Sources indicate that the forthcoming bill, to be presented in the assembly by Uttarakhand, includes a proposal for a comprehensive prohibition on polygamy. Additionally, provisions are outlined for the registration of relationships for live-in couples.
It is reported that if the bill is approved, it will establish equal inheritance rights for both sons and daughters. The implementation of a UCC in Uttarakhand was a significant poll promise made by the BJP during the state assembly elections last year. Upon securing a second consecutive term in power, Chief Minister Mr. Dhami sanctioned the formation of a committee, led by retired Supreme Court Judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, to draft the UCC during the inaugural cabinet meeting under his leadership.
The expert panel, whose term was recently extended for the third time until December, has sought input from 2.33 lakh individuals, various organizations, institutions, and tribal groups in the process of formulating it. The committee received its initial six-month extension in November 2022, followed by a second extension of four months in May this year.
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