SSC Selection Post - Matriculation Level - 26th July 2025 - Shift 1

Correct Answer

Uttarakhand

Explanation

Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to pass a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill. The Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly passed the landmark Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill in February 2024. The bill subsequently received the official assent of President Droupadi Murmu in March 2024, officially turning it into a binding law.

The core objective of the Uniform Civil Code is to replace diverse religion-based personal laws with a common, unified set of laws governing civil matters for all citizens, irrespective of their religious community. The law establishes uniform regulations across the state for critical personal subjects such as marriage, divorce, ancestral property inheritance, and child adoption. Additionally, the Uttarakhand UCC introduced landmark structural changes, making the registration of live-in relationships mandatory within the state. Notably, the law completely excludes the state's scheduled tribes from its jurisdiction to protect their unique customary rights.

Key Points

While Uttarakhand is the first state to actively pass a UCC bill in independent India, Goa has followed a common civil code (the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867) since its annexation, which was retained after liberation.

The implementation of a Uniform Civil Code is linked to Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and urges the State to secure a UCC for its citizens.

The expert committee responsible for drafting the structural framework of the Uttarakhand UCC bill was headed by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.

Important Questions and Answers

Question: Which constitutional article in the Directive Principles of State Policy directs the State to endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens throughout India?

Answer: Article 44 of the Indian Constitution outlines the provision for a Uniform Civil Code.

Question: Which high-level panel head led the expert committee tasked with preparing the drafted legal code for the Uttarakhand UCC?

Answer: Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai (Retired Supreme Court Judge) headed the committee.