Uttarakhand CM Dhami Refutes Claims Of UCC Draft Infringing On ST Rights, Says Govt 'Fulfilling Poll Promise'

The committee tasked with formulating the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand has submitted its final draft to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami ( Image Source :X/@pushkardhami )

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday said that his government has received the draft of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and will examine it and then implement it. The committee, led by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, submitted the final draft of the UCC to Chief Minister Dhami. 

In response to a question about whether ST people's rights were violated in the submitted draft, Dhami stated that the draft has not yet been made public, so it is unknown whether this is the case. People elected this government on the promise that it would implement UCC in the state, and the government will review the draft before implementing it, the chief minister said.

उत्तराखण्ड की देवतुल्य जनता के समक्ष रखे गए संकल्प के अनुरूप समान नागरिक संहिता लागू करने की दिशा में आगे बढ़ते हुए आज देहरादून में UCC ड्राफ्ट तैयार करने के उद्देश्य से गठित कमेटी से मसौदा प्राप्त हुआ।

आगामी विधानसभा सत्र में समान नागरिक संहिता का विधेयक पेश किया जाएगा और… pic.twitter.com/XaEdf5ynqB

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) February 2, 2024

"I've received the draft, it will be examined and implemented. We had promised the people of Uttarakhand during the state elections and they formed our government. So we are keeping that promise. We hope other states will also implement it, Dhami told reporters. 

#WATCH | On the UCC draft report, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says, "I've received the draft, it will be examined and then it will be implemented. We had promised the people of Uttarakhand during the state elections and they formed our government. So we are keeping that… pic.twitter.com/Zs5iOpUbC3

— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2024

Dhami informed that the draft report consists of 740 pages and has four volumes.

"The village, which is known as the last village of India, but the PM has referred to it as the first village, so the committee started the work of taking suggestions from their only, and at 43 places, voxpox has been taken. A total of 2,33,000 people gave suggestions on it which includes 10 per cent families of Uttarkhand. The draft report is about 740 pages long and is in 4 volumes. We will examine the report and then move ahead during the assembly session," Dhami was quoted as saying by ANI. 

The committee, comprising former Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court Pramod Kohli, former Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand Shatrughan Singh, Vice Chancellor of Doon University Surekha Dangwal, and social worker Manu Gaur, formed two sub-committees. One focused on drafting the UCC, while the other gathered input through public dialogues held across 43 locations in Uttarakhand.

Public dialogue initiatives began in Mana, extending to cover all districts, and concluded with discussions with migrant Uttarakhandi individuals in New Delhi on June 14, 2023. Chief minister Dhami highlighted the committee's efforts, including the launch of a web portal and engagement through SMS and WhatsApp, resulting in over 2,32,961 suggestions from the public.

The Uniform Civil Code proposes a common set of laws governing marriage, inheritance, adoption, and related matters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocated for its implementation in a speech in Bhopal, reigniting discussions around this divisive topic last year.

Uttarakhand UCC Draft Report: 

The recently submitted Uniform Civil Code (UCC) draft report for Uttarakhand includes several noteworthy provisions aimed at standardising civil laws in the state. Sources told ABP News certain key points from the draft, Take a look at them here: 

1. Age Determination for Marriage: The committee recommends setting the minimum age for boys at 21 years and for girls at 18 years.

2. Equal Rights for Divorce: Both men and women are granted equal rights in initiating divorce proceedings.

3. No Restrictions on Remarriage for Women: Women are not subjected to any conditions upon remarriage.

4. Penalties for Practices like Halala: In the event of practices similar to halala emerging after the law's implementation, a penalty of three years and a fine of one lakh rupees is proposed.

5. Restrictions on Remarriage During Spouse's Lifetime: Remarriage is restricted during the lifetime of either spouse.

6. Mandatory Registration of Marriages and Divorces: Registration of both marriages and divorces is made compulsory.

7. Custody Rights during Divorce or Domestic Disputes: The mother is entitled to custody of a child up to five years of age during divorce or domestic disputes.

8. Equal Property Rights for All Categories: Sons and daughters from all categories are granted equal rights in property matters.

9. Equal Rights for Legitimate and Illegitimate Children: Legitimate and illegitimate children have equal rights in property matters.

10. Protection of Unborn Child's Property Rights: Protection of property rights is extended to the child in the mother's womb.

11. Compulsory Registration of Live-in Relationships: Live-in relationships must be registered on a designated web portal.

12. Benefits of Registration: Couples who register their relationships will receive a receipt, enabling them to secure rental accommodation without additional formalities.

13. Notification to Parents upon Registration: Information about the registered couple will be provided to the parents of both individuals.

14. Penalties for Non-Registration: Failure to register may result in a six-month penalty or a fine of twenty-five thousand rupees.

15. Absence of Legislation for Adoption from UCC: The UCC does not include any laws regarding the adoption process.