Hoping for smooth rollout but anticipating legal challenges, Uttarakhand to implement UCC on Monday

The rules will be notified in the gazette the same day, said officials.

Speaking to The Indian Express, ADGP Law and Order V Murugeshan said a smooth rollout is expected.

“Two days ago, a seminar was conducted for the force, and awareness and training were given to officials. Currently, we do not foresee any challenges, and in case of complaints, we will proceed according to the law,” he said.

Sources in the Home Department said they anticipate a legal challenge. “As the Act mandates registration for live-in couples, people will likely file pleas challenging this provision under Article 21, Right to Privacy,” said a highly placed source.

Muslim Sewa Sangathan president Naeem Qureshi said the group has prepared a petition to challenge the Act. “The order issued says the rules and portal for rolling out UCC will be inaugurated. If the Act comes into effect that day, we will move the High Court the very next day,” he said.

The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the rules manual on January 20. The law lays down common provisions for marriage, divorce, and succession for all Uttarakhand residents. It also has clauses for live-in relationships, although it keeps tribals out of its ambit. Once the rules are rolled out, Uttarakhand will become the first state in India to implement the UCC.

On Friday, the government had made it clear that the UCC will not impact traditional wedding ceremonies. “Whether it is ‘Saptapadi,’ ‘Nikah,’ ‘Ashirwad,’ ‘Holy Union,’ or ‘Anand Karaj’ under the Anand Marriage Act, 1909, or a marriage conducted under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, or the Arya Marriage Validation Act, 1937—the (UCC) Act respects all religious and customary practices,” a statement said.

State BJP president Mahendra Bhatt thanked Dhami for making the state a “benchmark in the country with this historic decision”. “We are on the verge of fulfilling yet another promise made to the people,” he said.

Congress state president Karan Mahara said the public is not interested in the UCC. “Many people are coming forward with objections. When there are several laws governing the people, why would a state bring in UCC before the Centre?” he asked.