In a landmark move, Uttarakhand has become the first state after Goa to enforce the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), introducing uniform regulations on marriage, divorce, property, inheritance, and adoption across communities. This decision fulfills a key promise made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the 2022 state assembly elections.

The Code, effective from today, aims to bring equality by standardizing personal laws, with specific rules tailored to promote fairness and modernity. Here’s a look at the key changes under the UCC:

Mandatory registration of live-in relationships

The Code mandates the registration of live-in relationships, requiring parental consent for individuals under the age of 21. Residents of Uttarakhand engaging in live-in relationships outside the state are also subject to this rule. Non-compliance, including providing false information or failing to declare a relationship, could lead to imprisonment of up to three months or a fine of ₹25,000, or both.

Marriage and divorce

Marriages must now be registered under the UCC, with the minimum age set at 21 years for men and 18 years for women across all religions. This change is intended to ensure individuals complete their education before marriage. The Code also imposes a ban on polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq while establishing a uniform divorce process.

Inheritance and equality

The UCC eliminates gender bias in inheritance laws by ensuring that both sons and daughters are referred to as “child,” granting them equal inheritance rights. Children born out of live-in relationships are recognized as legitimate, ensuring they receive the same inheritance rights as other children.

Prohibited practices

Certain practices, such as nikah halala and iddat, followed by some sections of the Muslim community, have been banned under the new framework. The law also safeguards widows and divorcees against such practices.

Exemptions for Scheduled Tribes

The Code explicitly states that its provisions do not apply to Scheduled Tribes, acknowledging their distinct cultural and social practices.

The UCC’s introduction represents a significant step toward creating a uniform legal framework for citizens, bridging gaps in personal laws and ensuring equality among communities. With this move, Uttarakhand has set a precedent for other states, sparking discussions on the broader implementation of such a framework across the country.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) issued a detailed clarification regarding the home voting facility for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, 2025. This initiative, designed to enhance accessibility for senior citizens (over 85 years old) and persons with disabilities (PwD), requires eligible voters to submit Form 12D to apply.

Upon approval, a polling team, comprising election officials and security personnel, will visit the voter’s residence prior to election day to facilitate the voting process.

Crucially, the ECI clarified that candidates or their authorized representatives will be permitted to accompany the polling team during these home visits. This provision addresses concerns raised by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, who had previously highlighted a video showing BJP representatives present during a home voting event.

While the ECI statement did not directly mention Kejriwal or any specific political party, the inclusion of candidate representatives aims to ensure transparency and alleviate concerns about potential irregularities. The commission’s statement emphasizes that the presence of representatives is permissible to uphold fairness and prevent any accusations of undue influence.

The ECI has received a significant number of applications for this facility: 6,447 from senior citizens and 1,058 from PwD voters. To date, 1,271 senior citizens and 120 PwD voters have already cast their ballots through this home voting system. The process itself involves the polling team providing the voter with a ballot paper, overseeing the casting of the vote, and ensuring strict adherence to ECI guidelines regarding confidentiality. To maintain transparency and accountability, the entire process is recorded on video.

The ECI unequivocally stated that participation in the home voting option is entirely voluntary. Voters choosing this method will not be allowed to cast their vote at a regular polling station on election day.

The commission reiterated its commitment to conducting free and fair elections and underscored the importance of this initiative in promoting inclusive participation in the democratic process. Voters facing any difficulties are urged to contact their local Returning Officer (RO) or district Election Officer (DEO), or utilize the central helpline at 1950.

The United States marked India’s 76th Republic Day with effusive praise, highlighting the enduring strength of the world’s largest democracy and the burgeoning partnership between the two nations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a statement released on the occasion, extended warm congratulations to the people of India, emphasizing the significance of the Indian Constitution as the bedrock of this vibrant democracy. He went beyond simple well-wishes, however, painting a picture of a rapidly strengthening bilateral relationship destined for even greater heights.

Rubio’s statement explicitly described the US-India partnership as “the defining relationship of the 21st century,” a bold assertion reflecting the growing strategic alignment and mutual economic interests between the two nations. This statement was not merely ceremonial; it underscored the deepening cooperation across various sectors, from space research to joint efforts within the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad).

The Quad, comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia, received significant attention in Rubio’s remarks. He emphasized the alliance’s crucial role in promoting a “free, open, and prosperous” Indo-Pacific region, a clear signal of the shared commitment to counterbalancing China’s influence in the region.

This emphasis was reinforced by Rubio’s actions earlier in the week, hosting a crucial meeting of Quad foreign ministers at the US Department of State. This meeting, his first official engagement as Secretary of State, underscored the immediate priority given to strengthening the Quad alliance and its collaborative efforts.

The meeting with his Quad counterparts—External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar of India, Takeshi Iwaya of Japan, and Penny Wong of Australia—focused on enhancing economic opportunities and ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. It served as a practical demonstration of the commitment to the strategic vision articulated in his Republic Day statement.

Furthermore, Secretary Rubio’s bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in Washington D.C. further cemented the strengthening ties between the two countries. The discussions covered a broad range of topics, including regional issues and avenues for further deepening the US-India relationship.

A notable point of discussion, as highlighted in an official press release, included a shared commitment to addressing concerns related to irregular migration, an area of mutual interest requiring collaborative solutions. This commitment, alongside the focus on economic ties, demonstrated the multifaceted nature of the burgeoning partnership, extending beyond strategic security concerns.

India’s own Republic Day celebrations showcased the nation’s unique blend of cultural diversity, unity, and military strength. The grand parade on Kartavya Path served as a vivid display of national pride and the successful integration of diverse elements into a cohesive and powerful nation. The presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the Chief Guest further underscored India’s growing global influence and its capacity to foster strong relationships with key international partners.