By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 7 Feb: Prof Surekha Dangwal, a member of the expert committee drafting the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and Vice-Chancellor of Doon University, today asserted that UCC in Uttarakhand ensures greater socio-economic security of women and children and that it has also fortified the institution of marriage.
Prof Dangwal further observed that the UCC intends to eliminate gender-based discrimination and establish equality. She also noted that many cases have surfaced where women were unaware of their husbands’ second marriages, often conducted under the guise of religious traditions and felt that mandatory registration of marriages will minimise such deception and prevent clandestine marriages of girls below 18 years.
She adds that the UCC also ensures security for the elderly and children, reminding that in the event of a person’s death, their property will be equally divided among their spouse, children, and parents, safeguarding the rights of elderly parents. She also asserted that children born out of live-in relationships would also have equal rights to their parents’ property and claimed that this would promote responsibility in such relationships.
Dangwal emphasised that the Indian Constitution allows adult citizens to choose their life partners, and the Special Marriage Act already exists for this purpose. The UCC will provide clearer guidelines, reducing court cases.
