Former BJP MLA Suresh Rathore has landed in the middle of a heated political controversy after announcing his second marriage to local actress Urmila Sanawar, prompting accusations of violating the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand. The state BJP has issued a formal notice of indiscipline, and the opposition, led by the Congress, is demanding immediate action.

The Uniform Civil Code, implemented in Uttarakhand on January 27, 2025, prohibits polygamy and aims to bring uniform personal laws regardless of religion. With Uttarakhand being the first Indian state to enforce UCC, any violation—particularly by political figures—invites intense scrutiny.

Controversial Marriage Goes Public

At a press conference on June 15, 2025, in Saharanpur, Suresh Rathore, the former legislator from Jwalapur, introduced Urmila Sanawar as his wife. This public acknowledgment immediately sparked allegations of bigamy, given that Rathore is already married and the UCC prohibits a second marriage while the first one is legally valid.

The BJP swiftly responded. Acting on orders from State President Mahendra Bhatt, State General Secretary Rajendra Bisht issued a seven-day notice to Rathore, stating that his actions could damage the party’s image and potentially breach legal obligations under the UCC.

Urmila Sanawar Defends Marriage with Timeline

Amid the uproar, actress Urmila Sanawar took to social media to clarify the chronology and legality of the marriage. According to her, the couple had a Gandharva marriage—a traditional Hindu form of wedlock based on mutual consent—on October 4, 2022, at the Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal.

“This marriage was solemnised with mutual consent and religious customs,” Sanawar wrote, “and the Uniform Civil Code was not in effect at that time.”

She further stated that their relationship had been publicly acknowledged and discussed in social media and public forums for almost two years, and that Rathore’s public confirmation on June 15 was only a formal announcement, not the date of marriage.

What the UCC Says and Why It Matters

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, notified in early 2025, is a comprehensive set of personal laws intended to replace religion-based civil codes and standardize marriage, divorce, and inheritance laws across all communities.

Under this law, polygamy is banned, and second marriages while the first is subsisting are punishable offences unless the first marriage has been legally dissolved.

However, Sanawar’s argument hinges on the timeline—that the marriage took place prior to January 27, 2025, and therefore does not retroactively fall under the jurisdiction of the UCC.

Political Reactions: Congress vs BJP

The Congress party wasted no time in calling out the BJP for double standards, alleging that Rathore’s case highlights the party’s selective enforcement of moral and legal codes. Congress leaders said that BJP should set an example by taking strong disciplinary and legal action against one of its own.

BJP, under fire, is reportedly trying to contain the fallout and evaluate the legal standing of the marriage in light of UCC’s retrospective applicability—if any.

Social Commentary and Accusations of Bias

In her social media post, Sanawar raised questions about gender and caste biases, stating:

“It is unfortunate that when prominent politicians like Harish Rawat, Narayan Dutt Tiwari, and Digvijay Singh have had two marriages, no questions are raised. But when a Dalit woman marries a Dalit leader, objections are raised. This is socially inappropriate.”

This allegation of selective outrage has added a new dimension to the controversy, sparking online debate about societal attitudes toward high-profile inter-caste marriages and public figures.

The Path Ahead: Legal and Political Ramifications

The BJP’s internal disciplinary committee is now expected to examine:

• The legal date of Rathore’s marriage to Sanawar

• Whether the UCC’s provisions can apply retroactively

• The political cost of defending or distancing from Rathore

Meanwhile, legal experts are divided. Some claim the UCC applies only to marriages solemnized after January 27, while others argue that public admission of a second marriage after UCC implementation could have legal implications.

If found in violation, Rathore could face penalties, including possible criminal charges, disqualification from contesting elections, and expulsion from the party.

Conclusion: A Test Case for Uttarakhand’s UCC

The Suresh Rathore-Urmila Sanawar marriage controversy is shaping up to be the first high-profile test case for the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand. It presents a complex intersection of law, politics, and personal liberty—and its outcome could set a precedent for future legal interpretations of the UCC.

As political parties, legal experts, and civil society closely monitor the developments, this case will likely influence public perception of how equitably and effectively the UCC is enforced in India’s first implementing state.

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