UCC will strengthen spirit of democracy, Constitution: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) as "Secular Civil Code" and said it will strengthen the democracy and spirit of Constitution of India, as he congratulated the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttarakhand for implementing the UCC law, becoming the first-ever state in the country to do so.

- Neeraj Santoshi

DEHRADUN:

The prime minister, who was speaking at the inauguration of the 38th National Games in Dehradun, said the UCC is "non-discriminatory" and it has the same team spirit as sports.

"Yesterday, Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the UCC. I also sometimes call it the secular civil code. The UCC will become the foundation of a dignified life to our mothers, sisters and daughters. It will give strength to our democracy and the spirit of the Constitution," Modi said.

The spirit of sportsmanship goes against any discrimination, the PM said, adding that collective effort is the mantra behind every victory and every medal.

"UCC has the same team spirit as sports. No discrimination with anyone, and everyone is equal," Modi said.

The PM's address comes a day after Uttarakhand became the first state in independent India to implement the UCC law that gives priority to protection of personal rights and regulates the laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, among others in the state.

The Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, which also bans polygamy and child marriage, applies to all residents of Uttarakhand irrespective of their religion, but keeps the tribal communities out of its ambit.