Uttarakhand has brought into force the Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, after approval by the Governor under Article 213 of the Constitution. The ordinance introduces procedural, administrative and penal changes to the Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, which came into effect on 27 January 2025. The move comes as the state marks one year of UCC implementation and observes UCC Day across urban and rural areas.
Key Changes in the Ordinance
The amendment ordinance aims to make the UCC more practical, transparent and easier to implement. It aligns criminal procedures and penal provisions with the new Indian legal codes. It also strengthens registration powers and the appellate mechanism. The government has said the changes are intended to improve clarity in the functioning of the Code.
Impact on Marriage Registration
One of the most visible outcomes of the UCC has been the shift to online marriage registration. Earlier, registrations were done offline under the Uttarakhand Compulsory Registration of Marriages Act, 2010, and required the physical presence of both spouses and two witnesses at the Sub-Registrar’s office. Under the UCC, couples and witnesses can apply from anywhere by uploading records and recording video statements. More than five lakh marriage registrations have been completed since implementation, and certificates are now issued in about five days on average.
Broader Civil Rights Framework
The UCC has been presented as a reform linked to equality, women’s empowerment and protection of children’s rights. It also covers divorce and live-in relationship procedures, making them more accessible through digitised systems. The state government has brought into light that the simplified process has increased public trust and reduced procedural burden for citizens.
UCC Day and Public Outreach
On the completion of one year, the state is observing UCC Day with awareness programmes and public interaction events across districts. The government has described Uttarakhand’s UCC model as a possible reference for other states, especially in areas of registration reform, digital governance and civil law administration.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026