Srinagar, March 9 -- The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution provides that both the Centre and state legislatures can legislate on matters pertaining to family laws. In pursuance of this power, on February 7, the Uttarakhand Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, becoming the first legislature in independent India to pass a law that proposes common rules on marriage, divorce, inheritance of property, and live-in relationships for all citizens, irrespective of their religion.

The recent passage of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill by the Uttarakhand Assembly has ignited concerns that other states may follow suit, potentially paving the way for a nationwide implementation. The fear looms that the central government might also ...