UNIFORM CIVIL CODE

 

For: Preliminary & Mains

Topics covered: Goa to amend Uniform Civil Code – why the step is taken and what is its significance

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News Flash

The Goa government would amend the Portuguese-era Uniform Civil Code (UCC) so that non-Goans can register their marriages in the coastal state.

• The UCC in Goa was introduced in 1870 by the erstwhile Portuguese rulers.
• It was retained even after the territory was merged with India in the year 1961.
• Registration of the marriage of non-Goans is currently banned in Goa.

 

Goa

Goa, a former Portuguese colony, was annexed into the Union of India in 1961. In 1987, Goa was made a separate state.

 

Highlights

• With this amendment, non-Goans can be allowed to register their marriages in the coastal state.
• Several Goans holding the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, who are on a short vacation in Goa, find it difficult to register their marriages due to the mandatory provision of maintaining the 15-day gap between two signatures before sub-registrar- one for declaration of intent and the other for confirmation.
• Responding to this, the amendment will be made to the UCC to do away with the mandatory gap period.

 

Uniform Civil Code

• UCC is defined in our Constitution under Article 44 of Directive Principles of State Policy.
• Article 44 of the Directive Principles in the Constitution says the “State shall endeavour to provide for its citizens a uniform civil code (UCC) throughout the territory of India.”
• It states that it is the duty of the state to secure for the citizens a Uniform Civil Code throughout the territory of India.
• It is the common set of governing rules for all citizens of India which refers to replace the personal laws (based on religious scriptures and customs).
• These laws are famous from public law and cover marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and maintenance.

 

Source: News 18

 

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