"Uttarakhand Passes Controversial Uniform Civil Code Bill, Opposed by Muslims"
The Indian state of Uttarakhand has passed a uniform civil code for marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance, applying to Hindus, Muslims, and other religious communities, with penalties for couples who live together without registering. The legislation, opposed by Muslim leaders, is seen as a Hindu agenda imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, aiming to bring uniformity in society and potentially to be introduced in other BJP-ruled states and at the federal level. The law also bans polygamy, sets a uniform marriage age, and requires registration of live-in relationships, sparking concerns about religious and cultural rights.