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The Uttarakhand government has categorically denied rumours circulating about the provisions of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), asserting that claims regarding outsiders acquiring domicile certificates through marriage registration are “wrong and misleading.”
In an official statement, the state’s Home Department clarified that marriage registration under the UCC does not entitle any individual to domicile status in Uttarakhand. “It has come to notice that some people are spreading misleading and incorrect information on social media and other platforms regarding some provisions of the UCC, such as outsiders will get the residence certificate (domicile) of the state by registering marriage under UCC in Uttarakhand. This is a wrong and misleading fact,” the department said.
The government further warned against the dissemination of false information regarding the UCC and stated that those found guilty of spreading such rumours would face legal action under Section 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The Home Department urged the public to rely only on official sources for accurate information and to refrain from propagating unverified claims.
For any clarifications or queries related to the UCC, citizens have been advised to contact the Uttarakhand Home Department through official channels.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami reaffirmed the state’s commitment to implementing the UCC, highlighting its role in addressing issues related to live-in relationships. “Those who have been living in live-in relationships will now have to inform the administration and their parents about it. Our effort is not to violate anyone’s privacy. Our effort is to stop the violence that takes place during live-in relationships,” the Chief Minister’s Office posted on X.
UCC In Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the UCC, with CM Dhami launching the UCC portal and rules on January 27, 2025. The landmark legislation aims to establish a uniform set of personal laws applicable to all citizens, irrespective of religion, gender, or caste. The UCC covers aspects such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession, with exceptions granted to Scheduled Tribes and protected authority-empowered communities under Article 342 and Article 366 (25) of the Constitution.
The Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, of Uttarakhand seeks to promote social harmony and individual rights while streamlining legal processes related to marriage. As per the Act, marriage can only be solemnized between individuals who meet specific criteria, including the requirement that neither party has a living spouse, both individuals are mentally capable of giving legal consent, and they meet the minimum age criteria—21 years for men and 18 years for women. Additionally, marriages within prohibited relationships are not permitted under the Act.
The implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand marks a significant step towards legal uniformity and social justice, with the government urging citizens to support the initiative by staying informed through official sources and avoiding misinformation.
(With ANI Inputs)
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