Key Terms & Concepts — UPSC Mains
Article 44
"A Directive Principle of State Policy directing the State to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout India"
Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, placed under Part IV (Directive Principles of State Policy), states: 'The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.' While DPSPs are not justiciable (cannot be enforced by courts), the Supreme Court has repeatedly urged Parliament to act on Article 44. The provision envisions replacing community-specific personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption with a single set of civil laws applicable to all citizens regardless of religion. Uttarakhand became the first state to enact a UCC in February 2024 (effective January 2025), followed by Gujarat in March 2026. Goa has operated under a Portuguese-era common civil code since 1961.
Article 44 is one of the most debated constitutional provisions and a perennial UPSC topic. It appears in Prelims (DPSP articles), Mains GS-2 (Fundamental Rights vs DPSP, federalism, secularism), and Essay papers. The Gujarat UCC Bill 2026 and the tension between Article 44 and Articles 25-26 (religious freedom) make this highly current.
- 1 Part IV, Directive Principles of State Policy — not enforceable by courts
- 2 Envisages a single civil code for marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens
- 3 Shah Bano Case (1985) — SC recommended UCC
- 4 Sarla Mudgal v. UOI (1995) — SC directed government to frame UCC
- 5 Jose Paulo Coutinho (2019) — SC praised Goa's common civil code
- 6 Uttarakhand first state to enact UCC (February 2024, effective January 2025)
- 7 Gujarat second state to pass UCC Bill (March 2026)
- 8 Personal laws are on the Concurrent List (Entry 5, Schedule VII)
Gujarat became the second Indian state to pass a Uniform Civil Code Bill on March 26, 2026, implementing Article 44's directive with mandatory marriage registration, equal inheritance, and uniform divorce grounds across all communities.