In a significant step towards ensuring gender equality, a committee constituted to draft the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand has recommended granting wives the same right to divorce as husbands. This recommendation was part of a report submitted to Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday.
Key Recommendations:
- Equal Divorce Rights: The committee has put forward a proposal to equalize the grounds and basis for divorce between husbands and wives, ensuring both parties have the same legal standing in the dissolution of marriage.
- Prohibition of Polygamy: Among other recommendations, the committee has advised putting a stop to polygamy, aiming to uphold the principle of monogamous marriages across all communities.
- Mandatory Marriage Registration: The report emphasizes the importance of registering marriages, making it a compulsory process for all citizens, to ensure legal documentation and recognition of marital bonds.
- Uniform Civil Code: The recommendations submitted also include the enforcement of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) that seeks to standardize personal laws affecting marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption across all religions, thus promoting national integration and gender equality.
- Minimum Age of Marriage and Live-in Relationships: The committee suggests setting the minimum age of marriage for girls at 18 years across all religions and includes provisions for live-in relationships, requiring a declaration from the partners involved.
Legislative Actions:
The government is expected to introduce the UCC bill in the upcoming legislative assembly session starting from February 5th. This move is part of Uttarakhand’s effort to align with the principles of equality and uniformity in civil laws, transcending religious and cultural differences.