Just two days before Uttarakhand votes to choose its next government, the outgoing Chief Minister made a big announcement.
Pushkar Singh Dhami declared that if the Bharatiya Janata Party returns to power, it would form a committee to prepare a draft for a Uniform Civil Code in the state. This code would cover topics like marriage, divorce, property, and inheritance, and formulate common laws for all residents of the state.
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"Immediately after swearing in, the BJP government will form a committee which will prepare a Uniform Civil Code draft for Uttarakhand. This UCC will cover topics like marriage, divorce, property and inheritance. On these topics, there will be same laws for all residents, irrespective of religion. UCC will be an important step in realising the dreams of the framers of Indian Constitution. It will give shape to the Constitution's aims. It will also be an effective step towards Article 44 of the Constitution which envisions uniform civil code for all citizens. On many occasions, Supreme Court has stressed on implementing UCC, and also expressed anger on lack of action on this front," he said.
Dhami reportedly said that the UCC would provide equal rights for all, enhance social harmony, and ensure gender justice.
The Uniform Civil Code, or UCC, has been one of the traditional core promises of the BJP, along with moves like ending Jammu and Kashmir's special status.
A uniform code has been opposed by minority community groups like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.
In June 2016, the Union Law Ministry had reportedly asked the 21st Law Commission to examine matters related to UCC. With the 21st Law Commission's term having ended in 2018, the issue may be taken up by the successive panel, as per reports.
Uttarakhand will vote on February 14, and results will be announced on March 10.