Uttarakhand to be first state to implement Uniform Civil Code: CM Dhami

Dehradun, Mar 25: Soon after taking oath as chief minister of Uttarakhand for the consecutive term, the Uttarakhand government on Thursday decided to form a committee of experts for the implementation of the 'Uniform Civil Code' in the state. This decision was taken in the first cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

 

 

"The state cabinet unanimously approved that a committee (of experts) will be constituted at the earliest and it will implemented in the state. This will be the first state to do so," Dhami indicated. He said the new government decided in the first cabinet meeting that a committee of jurists, retired judges, enlightened people of the society and other stakeholders would be constituted to prepare a draft of 'Uniform Civil Code' for the state of Uttarakhand.

 

 

The scope of this Uniform Civil Code will be equal law on matters like marriage-divorce, real estate and succession for all citizens irrespective of religion. "The Supreme Court has also stressed on its implementation from time to time. Also, in this important decision, we will also get inspiration from the state of Goa which has set an example in the country by implementing a kind of Uniform Civil Code," he said.

 

 

The CM said that this Uniform Civil Code would be an important step towards fulfilling the dreams of the framers of the Constitution and would give shape to the spirit of the Constitution. This will also be an effective step in the direction of Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which introduces the concept of the Uniform Civil Code for all citizens of the country.

 

 

According to Dhami, the implementation of the 'Uniform Civil Code' at the earliest in Uttarakhand will strengthen equal rights for all citizens of the state. "This will increase social harmony in the state, promote gender justice, empower women empowerment, and at the same time help preserve the exceptional cultural spiritual identity of Devbhoomi, its environment. The 'Uniform Civil Code' of Uttarakhand will stand as an example for other states as well," he emphasized.

 

The committee of experts, intellectuals and stakeholders will be headed by a retired Judge or Chief Justice of the Supreme Court/High Court. It is proposed to constitute, through a notification in the Gazette, the Government of Uttarakhand will constitute a committee as above, in which its composition, terms of reference etc will also be mentioned.