Uttarakhand’s UCC increases control over relationships

Source: The post Uttarakhand’s UCC increases control over relationships has been created, based on the article “Fencing out interfaith relationships in the new India” published in “The Hindu” on 25th February 2025.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Indian Constitution

Context: The article discusses Uttarakhand’s new Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and its impact on interfaith relationships. It argues that the UCC, along with anti-conversion laws, increases state control over personal relationships, strengthens religious influence, enables family control, and encourages vigilante interference.

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What is the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand?

1. On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
2. This law places all private relationships, including live-in and interfaith relationships, under state surveillance and regulation.
3. The UCC requires couples to register their relationships and obtain approvals from religious or community leaders. Failure to register can result in imprisonment

How do existing laws affect interfaith marriages?

1. Low Interfaith Marriages: A 2014 survey of 70,000 respondents found that fewer than 5% of urban families had an interfaith marriage. Strict laws further discourage such unions.
2. Bureaucratic Barriers: The Special Marriage Act, 1954, requires a 30-day notice period, exposing couples to public scrutiny and family pressure.
3. Strict Anti-Conversion Laws: States like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan enforce laws requiring declarations and waiting periods, making religious conversion for marriage difficult.
4. Legal Cover for Vigilantism: In Uttar Pradesh, 63 of 101 police complaints under the anti-conversion law were filed by third-party vigilante groups.
5. Social Segregation: These laws restrict personal choice, institutionalize separation, and reinforce religious divisions.

What Are the Broader Implications of These Laws?

1. These laws create social separation by making interfaith marriages and relationships difficult.
2. People from different religions cannot marry or live together without legal approval.
3. Religious leaders and families gain more control over personal relationships.
4. This reduces individual freedom, especially for women.

Could This Legal Approach Spread to Other States?

1. Uttarakhand’s UCC may become a model for other states.
2. Rajasthan and Gujarat are considering similar laws.
3. These laws may increase government control over personal relationships.
4. This trend can weaken India’s diverse society by restricting personal freedoms based on religion.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the impact of Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and related laws on interfaith relationships and personal freedoms.