Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves UCC Draft Report | 05 Feb 2024

Why in News?

On 4th February 2024, Uttarakhand took one more step towards becoming the first state after independence to implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC), after the state cabinet approved the UCC panel's draft report.

Key Points

  • The report will be tabled in the assembly on 6th February 2024, as the ruling party has 47 seats in the 70-member house, the UCC bill is set for a smooth sailing.
  • Uniform Civil Code is a common set of laws that will supersede customary laws across faiths and tribes, and govern issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance.
  • According to the Constitution of India, UCC is a part of the non-justiciable directive principles of state policy.
    • As per the 2011 national census, Uttarakhand has a 13.9% Muslim population, with most people from the community living in the Terai region.

Uniform Civil Code

  • It is envisaged to provide for one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc.
  • Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavor to secure a UCC for the citizens throughout the territory of India.
    • Article 44 is one of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
    • The purpose behind Article 44 is to strengthen the object of "secular democratic republic" as enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution.