“Will Strengthen Democracy”: PM Modi On Uniform Civil Code

New Delhi:
In a significant development that marks a new era in India’s legal landscape, Uttarakhand has become the first state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a move that has been hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “Secular Civil Code” that will strengthen democracy and the spirit of the Constitution.
On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand made history by adopting the UCC, a landmark reform that standardizes laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession, aiming to promote equality across gender and religion. This implementation has been met with both praise and criticism, with Muslim leaders and critics expressing concerns that the UCC challenges Islamic laws on divorce, marriage, and inheritance.
The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand is the culmination of a long-standing goal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, the BJP. Congratulating the Uttarakhand government, PM Modi emphasized that this move will enhance the democratic spirit and uphold the Constitution. “Yesterday, Uttarakhand became the state to implement the Uniform Civil Code… I congratulate the Uttarakhand government for this. It will strengthen the spirit of democracy and the Constitution,” he said during the inauguration of the 38th National Games in Dehradun.
The UCC aims to replace the diverse personal laws with a uniform set of laws, ensuring equal treatment for all citizens regardless of their religion. This includes mandatory registration of marriages and live-in relationships, providing legal recognition and safeguarding individual rights. The law also addresses issues such as the creation and cancellation of wills, succession, and inheritance, ensuring equal property rights and protecting children’s rights.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar reinforced the constitutional mandate behind the UCC, stating that it is a step towards gender equality and a fulfillment of the founding fathers’ vision. He added that it is only a matter of time before the entire country adopts similar legislation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has announced that every state with a BJP government will introduce the UCC, following the model set by Uttarakhand. Other BJP-ruled states, such as Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, have also signaled their intention to implement their own civil codes.
The promise of implementing the UCC was a key component of the BJP’s election manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. This move is seen as a significant step towards inclusive governance and social justice, although it has also sparked debates and resistance from various communities, particularly religious minorities who argue that it infringes upon their cultural and religious rights.
The UCC applies uniformly across religions, with the exception of Scheduled Tribes, and extends maintenance rights to women in live-in relationships. It sets clear guidelines for marriage eligibility, including the legal age and mental capacity of both parties, and mandates the registration of all marriages within 60 days.
As Uttarakhand sets a precedent, the nation watches with keen interest, anticipating the broader implications of this historic legal reform.