LUCKNOW, India (AP) — The northern state of Uttarakhand has passed a new law that applies a uniform code for marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance to Hindus, Muslims, and other religious communities. The legislation also requires unmarried couples to register with the government or face penalties. The approval of the legislation is seen as a formality, pending endorsement by the state governor and the Indian president. However, some Muslim leaders and others are opposing the Uniform Civil Code initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu Nationalist party, arguing that it interferes with their own laws and customs.
The new law, if passed, will bring in significant changes, including the banning of polygamy and setting a uniform age for marriage for men and women at 21 and 18, respectively, across all religions. It also includes a uniform process for divorce. Currently, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and other minority groups in India follow their own laws and customs for marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance. Opposition to the legislation has been voiced by Muslim leaders, who view it as imposing a Hindu code on all religious groups, which would affect their own religious practices and culture.
The legislation also introduces stringent measures that require the registration of live-in relationships. The bill explicitly states that children born out of such relationships will be legitimate offspring of the couple, inheriting all legal rights available to those born within a traditional marriage. The implementation of this requirement has raised concerns, with some individuals expressing reservations about unwanted police scrutiny. Despite the opposition, other states ruled by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party are expected to introduce similar legislation, with the possibility of it being brought at the federal level if the party wins the upcoming national elections.
In conclusion, this bill marks a significant step towards uniformity in the society, irrespective of religious beliefs, and reflects the BJP’s long-standing agenda.
