Dehradun, January 27 – Uttarakhand marks the first anniversary of implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a landmark achievement that positions the state as India’s pioneer in this reform. Manu Gaur, a key member of the drafting committee, expressed profound pride in an exclusive interview, crediting Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s unwavering vision for making it a reality.
Gaur highlighted how Dhami personally championed the cause, ensuring Uttarakhand became the nation’s first state to enforce UCC. ‘It fills me with immense joy that I contributed to this historic draft,’ he shared. The three-year drafting process focused on empowering the state’s remaining 50% women—granting them equality in marriage, property, and beyond.
One year on, the UCC portal boasts impressive figures: 400,000 new marriages registered, alongside 800,000 pre-existing ones retroactively documented. Over 4,000 wills have also been filed, data that was previously elusive. These numbers underscore the code’s widespread acceptance.
Addressing critics who claim UCC is merely marriage-centric, Gaur pointed to enforcement actions: 11 cases against polygamy last year, targeting those attempting second marriages, and 54 triple talaq incidents thwarted, protecting dozens of women from exploitation. ‘These stats aren’t publicized, but they reveal real impact,’ he noted.
Live-in relationships drew significant debate, with opponents alleging anti-religious motives. Gaur clarified the intent: safeguarding parental rights in such unions. Of 162 applications, 70 were approved, others rejected for non-compliance—preventing potential crimes by bringing cases to light.
Recent amendments mirror constitutional updates, adapting UCC to ground realities like live-in laws—another Uttarakhand first. Gaur emphasized privacy concerns: Supreme Court mandates marriage registration nationwide, balancing personal rights with protections, especially for women.
As Uttarakhand leads, Gaur remains optimistic. Future tweaks will ensure UCC evolves, serving its people effectively in a changing world.