How similar are Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Assam’s Uniform Civil Codes?

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The constitutional vision stems from Article 44 of the Constitution, which states that “The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.” (Representational image) | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

West Bengal is all set to table a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in the Assembly, joining a growing list of States that have sought to enact a common civil law governing personal matters.

Goa has followed a Uniform Civil Code since the Portuguese Civil Code was introduced during Portuguese rule. After Goa was liberated and merged with India in 1961, the Code was retained. It governs all residents of Goa in matters of marriage, divorce and inheritance, regardless of religion. However, after Independence, Uttarakhand became the first State to implement a UCC in 2024, followed by Gujarat and Assam in 2026. West Bengal is now set to join the list.

The constitutional vision stems from Article 44 of the Constitution, which states that “The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.”

The UCCs largely regulate four areas of personal law: marriage, divorce, succession and inheritance, and live-in relationships. These laws apply to all residents of the respective States except Scheduled Tribes (within the meaning of clause (25) of Article 366 read with Article 342 of the Constitution), whose customary laws are protected under the Constitution.

All three UCCs prescribe a common minimum marriage age of 21 years for men and 18 years for women, irrespective of religion. Marriages may be solemnised according to religious ceremonies or under the Special Marriage Act. By prohibiting marriage during the subsistence of an existing marriage, the Codes prohibit polygamy and remove religion-specific exceptions that previously existed. Each law makes registration of marriages compulsory, though the consequences for failing to register differ.

The UCCs also prohibit certain prac