GUJRAT: The State Gujarat is all set to implement the Uniform Civil Code  or UCC  on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This comes after the State government's decision in 2022 to form a panel that would find whether such a code is necessary and feasible in the state.

The UCC aims to set up one set of personal laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religion, gender, or sexual status. This move is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) broader push for uniformity in the laws that govern citizen's personal matters throughout India.

Uttarakhand Leads with UCC Implementation

In a latest update, Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the UCC. The new law in the state focuses on protecting personal rights and regulating matters such as marriage, divorce,  live-in relationships and so on. It also bans practices like polygamy and child marriage. However, the UCC does not apply to certain protected groups, including Scheduled Tribes and specific communities under the Constitution.

Key Provisions of the UCC

The UCC simplifies the marriage and divorce laws. For example, it says that marriages can only occur between a man and a woman who are of legal age, with no living spouse. Both parties must be mentally sound and capable of giving consent. The legal age for marriage is 21 for men and 18 for women.

The UCC also sees marriages to be registered within two months. If a marriage has not been registered within this time, it would not be invalid, but late registration will be permitted with penalty. Marriages that done before March 26, 2010, can be registered voluntarily if they meet legal criteria.

Efficient and Transparent Legal Process

The UCC also makes marriage registration more transparent. Applications for marriage registration can be processed within two weeks or so, and there is a clear appeals process if a request is rejected. A penalty is also payable for false information.

The UCC Act offers a framework for the creation and cancellation of Wills and Testaments, including special provisions for military personnel. Soldiers & other armed forces members can easily write a will, whether hand-written or verbally declared in front of witnesses. These wills can be made under simple rules to ensure that service members can manage their property wishes even in high-risk situations.

Although making a will is not mandatory, the UCC provides an easy and secure process for those who wish to make their property decisions clear.