| Article 44 • The UCC is aligned with Article 44 of the Indian Constitution. • It says the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. • It is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which, although not justiciable, are fundamental in the governance of the country. |
- Rajasthan is considering introducing a Bill for the enactment of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The State government is studying a similar Bill passed in Uttarakhand.
- The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) aims to replace personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of various religious communities in India with a common set of laws governing every citizen.
- The UCC covers laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance.
- The objective is to ensure equal treatment of all citizens irrespective of their religion, gender, or caste, thereby promoting national integration and gender justice.
- Uttarakhand is the first State to enact the UCC.
| Various Personal Laws in India • Hindu Personal Laws: Cover Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs for marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance (e.g., Hindu Marriage Act, 1955). • Muslim Personal Laws: Governed by Sharia for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance (e.g., Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937). • Christian Personal Laws: Cover marriage, divorce, and inheritance (e.g., Indian Christian Marriage Act, 1872). • Parsi Personal Laws: Cover marriage, divorce, and inheritance (e.g., Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936). • Special Marriage Act, 1954: Provides a secular form of marriage for all, irrespective of religion, and covers divorce and inheritance for those married under it. |
Dig Deeper: Read about other important Directive Principles of state policies that are in discussion.
