Introduction of UCC and Its Impact
Uttarakhand became the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on January 27, 2025.
The UCC aims to standardize laws related to personal relationships, claiming to restore gender justice and create uniformity.
However, it has faced criticism for reinforcing religious divisions and controlling interfaith relationships under state surveillance.
Existing Legal Hurdles
Interfaith marriages and relationships already face significant challenges, including mandatory notice periods and bureaucratic scrutiny under the Special Marriage Act.
Anti-conversion laws in several states further criminalize religious conversion for marriage, creating obstacles for interfaith couples.
These laws empower vigilante groups to harass and attack interfaith couples, worsening social divisions.
Live-In Relationships Under Surveillance
Under the UCC, live-in relationships must be registered with district authorities, requiring a 16-page application and approval from religious leaders and family members.
Failure to register could result in imprisonment and fines, increasing state oversight and control over personal relationships.
This policy further marginalizes interfaith couples, with vigilantes and family members gaining legal grounds to intervene.
Impact on Social Integration and Personal Freedom
The UCC, combined with anti-conversion laws, strengthens religious institutions’ control over personal relationships, undermining individual freedoms.
Women, especially in interfaith relationships, are at higher risk of coercion, violence, and honour-based punishment.
This system is seen as a form of apartheid, institutionalizing social segregation and undermining India’s pluralistic values.
Potential for Broader Implementation
Uttarakhand’s implementation of the UCC could serve as a model for other states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, who are considering similar laws.
These legal trends signal a broader movement toward regulating personal relationships, threatening individual rights and social harmony in India.
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