The Uttarakhand Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has been greeted by BJP leaders and supporters after the state Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code Bill. This move by the Uttarakhand government could pave the way for other BJP-ruled states to adopt a Uniform Civil Code as well. Implementing this “unfinished agenda” could become a significant election plank for the party ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. The Union government has informed the Supreme Court that the Law Commission has been tasked with submitting a detailed report on various issues related to the Uniform Civil Code. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and former law minister Kiren Rijiju have clarified that states have the constitutional freedom to implement their own Uniform Civil Code.
The Uttarakhand assembly has sought the Governor’s consent for the UCC Bill, and once approved, the President’s nod will be required for its implementation in the state. Chief Minister Dhami has stated that the process of framing rules and procedures for implementation has already begun. Other BJP-ruled states such as Gujarat, Assam, and Rajasthan have also expressed their intentions to introduce a Uniform Civil Code. However, there are challenges to be considered, such as granting exemptions to tribal populations and potential conflicts with constitutional rights. Critics argue that the UCC infringes upon constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom of religion and the right to privacy.
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