Uttarakhand Government Convenes Legislative Assembly Session to Discuss UCC

The government of Uttarakhand has called for a legislative assembly session starting February 5 to discuss the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state, according to inside sources who requested to remain anonymous. News comes from the source of Reader Wall.

Session Convened, House Summoned

The state government released a statement on Friday, confirming that the assembly has been summoned for a session on Monday, prior to which the details have not been disclosed.

The five-member committee helmed by Justice (retired) Ranjana Prakash Desai, appointed to produce a UCC report, is slated to submit their findings by February 2. Despite reaching the end of their term on January 26, an extension of two weeks was granted, as learnt by Reader Wall.

Understanding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

The UCC encompasses a universal set of laws that will replace cultural laws across different faiths and tribes, governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami vowed that the first action of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, if elected, would be the implementation of the UCC in the elections of 2022.

Throughout the years, the UCC has been a steadfast entry in the BJP manifesto, alongside the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya as well as the abrogation of Article 370. These two objectives have already been achieved. In January 2023, the Supreme Court decreed that states have the authority to create committees for the UCC’s drafting and implementation.

Chief Minister’s Statement

The Chief Minister proclaimed on the eve of Republic Day, that a session of the state assembly would be convened to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand. A report by the committee concerning the UCC has been finished, and after the draft is reviewed, the assembly will be called for a session to put the UCC law into effect throughout Uttarakhand.

The Draft Implementation Committee

In May 2022, the Uttarakhand government selected a five-member draft committee, led by Justice (retd) Desai, responsible for drafting UCC implementation, following the BJP’s ascent to power.

Chief Minister Dhami earlier explained the reasons for implementing UCC in the state. It is aimed at ensuring legal consistency among all religious communities, and preserving Devbhoomi’s culture, the land of the Gods, as pledged in their Sankalp Patra or manifesto at election time.

Uttarakhand’s Muslim Population

According to the 2011 census, Uttarakhand is home to 13.9% of the Muslim population, predominantly in the Terai region.

The Chief Minister, in his address to the media after hoisting the national flag at his residence, asserted that the tenure of the UCC committee was extended by 15 days to complete some formalities. The draft by the UCC committee is complete, requiring some time for compiling and completing other processes, which led to the 15-day extension.