One year has passed since the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was implemented in Uttarakhand. Manu Gaur, a member of the committee responsible for its implementation, credited Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami for this milestone. Gaur expressed pride in contributing to the drafting of the UCC, which aimed to ensure equal rights for women in matters of marriage and property.
The UCC, which took three years to prepare, was officially implemented in Uttarakhand on January 27, 2025. Notably, 4 lakh marriages have been registered on the UCC portal, along with 8,000 pre-UCC marriages. The UCC’s popularity is evident as previously unregistered marriages and wills are now documented. The UCC has also addressed cases of polygamy and triple talaq, providing legal recourse for affected individuals.
Critics have raised concerns about the UCC’s focus on marriage-related issues. However, Gaur clarified that the UCC’s scope extends beyond marriage cases. Notably, the UCC has facilitated the registration of live-in relationships to safeguard children’s rights. Amendments to the UCC have been made to enhance its effectiveness, with a focus on adapting to evolving societal needs, such as recognizing live-in relationships.
In response to queries about live-in relationship statistics, Gaur highlighted the importance of privacy and confidentiality. He emphasized the need for privacy in personal matters like marriage, which are now registered under the UCC. Gaur underscored the UCC’s role in protecting privacy rights and ensuring legal recognition for live-in relationships, with a stringent approval process in place.
