Uttarakhand Waqf Board revises nikahnama format to match UCC rules
Uttarakhand Waqf Board's revised nikahnama removes columns for multiple marriages, aligning with the UCC in force since January 27, 2025.
The Uttarakhand Waqf Board has proposed a revised nikahnama, or Muslim marriage contract form, to bring it in line with the state's Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The updated format eliminates sections that previously allowed for the registration of second, third, or fourth marriages.
Under the new structure, the form will only accommodate a single marriage, reflecting the restrictions imposed by the UCC. The code has been operational in Uttarakhand since January 27, 2025, and mandates monogamy for all residents, including those from the Muslim community.
The move is part of a broader administrative effort to standardise personal law practices with the state's civil code. By revising the nikahnama, the Waqf Board aims to ensure that marriage documentation processes comply with the new legal framework, removing any procedural ambiguity for registrars and citizens alike.
The proposal is expected to streamline the registration process while reinforcing the legal position that only one marriage is permissible under the current law in the state.