The much-awaited draft of the Uniform Civil Code was submitted to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami by the Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (Seni) committee on Friday. The committee has recommended a law for all religions covering divorce, maintenance after divorce and adoption of children. It has been proposed to make the marriageable age of girls mandatory at 18 years in all religions. The committee has stressed on ending the practice of polygamy and applying the rule of one husband and wife to all. The tribes of the state have been kept out of the scope of this law.
Assembly session on February 5
On the other hand, after receiving the draft from the committee, it can be placed before the Cabinet on Saturday. The government has also called a session of the Assembly on February 5 to pass the Uniform Civil Code Bill. On the occasion of handing over the draft of the Uniform Civil Code to Chief Minister Dhami at the Chief Minister’s residence on Friday, four members of the committee, Justice Pramod Kohli (Seni), former Chief Secretary Shatrughan Singh, Doon University Vice Chancellor Prof. Surekha Dangwal and social worker Manu Gaur and members of the committee. Secretary Ranjan Mishra was present.
The draft is divided into four sections
The draft is in four sections. According to sources, among the major recommendations of the committee, equal rights of girls in distribution of property will be applicable in all religions. The rights of the girl will not be violated even if she marries another religion or caste. Registration will be required for live in relationship. The committee mainly recommended equal rights for all religions including love jihad, marriage and inheritance rights for women.
UCC was the first priority of the government
Implementing Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand is the top priority of the BJP government of the state. The government had constituted an expert committee to prepare its draft. The committee has now completed this work in 20 months. During this period, the committee took suggestions from various areas and communities of the state through 72 meetings and online medium. The committee has received 2.33 lakh suggestions.
Draft prepared in Hindi and English
The committee has prepared the draft of the Uniform Civil Code in Hindi and English languages. After receiving the draft of the Uniform Civil Code, the government is now taking steps towards legalizing it. It is considered certain that it will be approved in the cabinet meeting on Saturday. The bill related to the Uniform Civil Code will be placed on the table of the House on February 6 in the Assembly session convened from February 5.
Key points of Uniform Civil Code
There will be one law for divorce for all religions.
The rule of maintenance after divorce will be the same.
There will be one law for all religions for adoption.
Equal rights of girls in distribution of property will be applicable in all religions.
The rights of the girl will not be violated even if she marries another religion or caste.
In all religions, the age of marriage for girls will be 18 years.
Registration will be necessary for live in relationship.
The tribes of the state will be out of this law.
The rule of one husband and wife will apply to everyone, the practice of polygamy will end.
