Uttarakhand implementation of Uniform Civil Code under Article 44
Source:the-statesman ↗
Why It Matters
Uttarakhand\'s landmark step to execute the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) represents a major development in Indian jurisprudence and constitutional history, bringing Article 44 (DPSP) from theory to practice. This topic, along with specific state administrative and legislative initiatives (anti-copying, anti-conversion, and tourism promotion), represents a high-yield focus area for UKPSC PCS Prelims.
Summary
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that the state will enforce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in January 2025. Invoking Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, Dhami outlined major reformative actions of his government, including a successful anti-encroachment campaign that cleared 5,000 acres of land, a stringent anti-conversion law, a property damage-recovery anti-riot law, and a highly effective anti-copying law. He also shared plans to establish Uttarakhand as a premier wedding and film shooting destination.
Key Points
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in January 2025, which would make Uttarakhand the first state in independent India to adopt a common civil code.
- The CM referenced Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, highlighting B.R. Ambedkar\'s vision of establishing a uniform civil code across India under the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP).
- An anti-encroachment drive in Uttarakhand successfully reclaimed approximately 5,000 acres of land from illegal encroachments.
- The Uttarakhand government has enacted robust local legislations including a strict anti-conversion law to tackle induced conversions, and an anti-riot law designed to recover the cost of damaged public property directly from the rioters.
- The state\'s anti-copying law, aimed at eliminating cheating mafias in government recruitment exams, has successfully enabled the recruitment of 19,000 personnel in four years, compared to 14,000 in the first 19 years of Uttarakhand\'s statehood.
- Following PM Narendra Modi\'s 2023 appeal, Uttarakhand is developing a dedicated blueprint to transform and promote the state globally as a premier destination for destination weddings and film shooting.
Important Terms
Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
A common set of personal laws governing civil matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, applicable to all citizens uniformly, regardless of their religion, caste, or gender.
UPSC context
Relevant for GS Paper II (Polity and Governance); tests understanding of secularism, personal laws, and gender justice in constitutional law.
Article 44 of the Constitution of India
A Directive Principle of State Policy in Part IV of the Indian Constitution directing the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens throughout India.
UPSC context
Important for GS Paper II (Polity); tests understanding of Directive Principles of State Policy versus Fundamental Rights.
Uttarakhand Freedom of Religion Act
A stringent legislation enacted in 2018 (amended in 2022 and 2025) that prohibits and penalizes unlawful, forced, or coercive religious conversions, prescribing sentences up to life imprisonment for the gravest offences.
UPSC context
Relevant for GS Paper II (Fundamental Rights vs. State Laws); tests the balance between freedom of religion and public order.
Uttarakhand Public and Private Property Damage Recovery Act, 2024
A state law that enables full financial recovery of damages caused to government and private assets during protests or riots from the individuals responsible, alongside heavy fines.
UPSC context
Important for GS Paper II (Governance) and GS Paper III (Internal Security); tests state-level measures for maintaining public order.
Uttarakhand Competitive Examination (Measures for Prevention and Redressal of Unfair Means in Recruitment) Act, 2023
A rigorous law enacted to eliminate cheating and paper leaks in public recruitment exams, prescribing up to life imprisonment and massive fines up to ten crore rupees for facilitators.
UPSC context
Relevant for GS Paper II (Governance and Transparency); tests administrative measures to secure integrity in public employment systems.
Prelims Trap
The Uttarakhand UCC Act, 2024, applies uniformly to all communities and Scheduled Tribes residing within the state.
The Act explicitly exempts Scheduled Tribes (as defined under Article 366(25)) to protect their customary rights under Part XXI, making the uniformity non-absolute.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the constitutional and legislative framework governing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India?
- Article 44 DPSP: Directs the State to secure a UCC, placed in Part IV, making it constitutionally non-justiciable but fundamental to governance.
- Concurrent List Entry 5: Marriage, divorce, infants, minor succession, and intestacy fall under Entry 5 of List III, giving states legislative power to enact civil codes.
- Article 254(2) Assent: Because personal laws are concurrent, any state-level UCC repugnant to existing central laws (like the Hindu Marriage Act) requires Presidential assent to prevail.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Federalism vs. Uniform Personal Laws
State-level UCCs reveal the constitutional leeway of the Concurrent List, potentially creating asymmetrical civil rights across different state boundaries.
Article 25/26 vs. Article 44
Intersects the fundamental right to manage religious affairs with the state's directive to reform social practices, a core judicial review battleground.
State UCC laws, Concurrent List competence, and tribal exemptions under Part XXI will likely feature in a 2026 conceptual polity question.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Regarding the Directive Principles of State Policy, which one of the following statements is not correct ?
- 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
Consider the following statements with reference to Uttarakhand and choose the correct answer: 1. The executive of Uttarakhand includes Governor as the head of the state. 2. It also includes the Chief Minister and his/her council of ministers.
- 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1
UTDB is established in Uttarakhand to promote:
