Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Goa
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The concept of the Uniform Civil Code is frequently discussed in Indian polity and constitution related examinations. The idea refers to one set of civil laws that apply equally to all citizens regardless of religion, particularly in matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption. This question checks whether the learner knows which Indian state has actually implemented a common civil code in practice, a favourite static general knowledge point.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question asks about a specific Indian state where a Uniform Civil Code already operates in day to day civil matters.
- Four options are given: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Delhi.
- We assume the question is about the long standing implementation of a common civil family law, not about very recent proposals or draft laws that may still be under implementation elsewhere.
Concept / Approach:
Article 44 of the Constitution of India speaks of a Uniform Civil Code as a directive principle, encouraging the state to strive for uniform civil laws. However, at the national level, separate personal laws still apply for different religious communities. The one long established exception is Goa, where a common set of civil laws governs marriage, divorce, succession and related matters for all communities. These laws are based on the old Portuguese Civil Code that continued after Goa joined the Indian Union and were later adapted by the state legislature.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that most states in India still follow religion specific personal laws in areas like family law and inheritance.
Step 2: Remember that Goa has a long tradition of a common civil code, inherited from its Portuguese legal system, which applies to all residents, with limited exceptions.
Step 3: Note that Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi may be associated with discussions or proposals about a Uniform Civil Code, but historically they have not had a fully implemented common civil code across communities.
Step 4: Therefore, identify Goa as the only Indian state with an established Uniform Civil Code in actual operation.
Verification / Alternative check:
A quick way to verify is to connect this fact with standard polity textbooks and coaching notes, which consistently highlight Goa as a case study when the Uniform Civil Code is explained. The common civil code of Goa is often specifically named as the Portuguese Civil Code adapted to local needs, and no other Indian state is presented in the same way in classical exam oriented material.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Uttarakhand: This state may appear in news for discussions on civil code reforms, but historically it did not have a long standing common civil code across communities like Goa.
Uttar Pradesh: It follows separate personal laws for different religious communities and does not have a state wide Uniform Civil Code in force in the traditional static general knowledge sense.
Delhi: Being the national capital territory, Delhi follows central laws and personal laws but has no separate state level Uniform Civil Code of its own.
Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to confuse current political debates or proposed legislation in various states with actual historic implementation. Another pitfall is to assume that the national capital Delhi must automatically be the most progressive in terms of legal reforms, which is not accurate in this context. Examinations normally expect the standard static answer that only Goa has a functioning Uniform Civil Code.
Final Answer:
The Indian state where a Uniform Civil Code is fully implemented in practice is Goa.
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