← 16 September 2026's Current Affairs · Polity GS-2 Prelims ★★★★★ Mains ★★★★★
Uniform Civil Code push moves through the states, not Parliament
Why in News?
Uttarakhand already has it, Parliament hasn't voted: the Article 44 route to a Uniform Civil Code
The push to implement a Uniform Civil Code before 2029 is moving through State legislatures, under the Directive Principle in Article 44.
Why it matters: asked in UPSC 2025; GS-2 core; factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 min read
The push to implement a Uniform Civil Code before 2029 is proceeding through individual State legislatures rather than Parliament, drawing debate over the appropriate legislative route.
Article 44 of the Constitution, a Directive Principle of State Policy, calls upon the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens across the country.
Uttarakhand has already enacted its own Uniform Civil Code, setting a precedent other States are being urged to follow.
Sources: Indian Express · Topper IAS editorial
Key facts
Remember these
- Article 44 is a Directive Principle of State Policy calling on the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code
- Uttarakhand has already enacted its own Uniform Civil Code
- The current push aims to implement a Uniform Civil Code before 2029
- States, not Parliament, are the route being used to advance the Uniform Civil Code
Prelims · Mains
How the exam will ask it
Prelims
- Article 44 falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV of the Constitution
- Article 44 calls upon the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout the territory of India
- Uttarakhand is a State that has enacted its own Uniform Civil Code
- Directive Principles of State Policy are non-justiciable but fundamental in the governance of the country
Mains
For GS Paper 2, this illustrates how a Directive Principle under Article 44 can be operationalised by States acting individually rather than through central legislation. The issue raises questions on legislative competence, uniformity versus federalism, and the implications for personal laws across religions. The way forward lies in building broader consensus, possibly through the Law Commission, before extending State-level models nationally.
PYQ connection
A question UPSC has already asked on this
Consider the following statements: I. The Constitution of India explicitly mentions that in certain spheres the Governor of a State acts in his/her own discretion. II. The President of India can, of his/her own, reserve a bill passed by a State Legislature for his/her consideration without it being forwarded by the Governor of the State concerned. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- I only
- II only
- Both I and II
- Neither I nor II
Show answer
Answer: A
Why this matters: today's issue is directly connected to a concept UPSC has already tested. Read the story with this question in mind.
Practise this PYQ →Quick recall
Answer before you reveal
The Uniform Civil Code, currently being pursued by some States rather than through Parliament, is listed as a goal of the State under which of the following constitutional provisions?
- Article 42
- Article 44
- Article 48
- Article 51A
Show answer
Answer: B — Article 44, a Directive Principle of State Policy, calls upon the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout the territory of India.
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