With the general election in India being less than a year away, the nation stands on the cusp of a crucial decision determining its next government. And with that, the issue of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India has once again gained political momentum.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), seeking to attract Hindu votes, has placed the UCC on its agenda. The UCC proposes a common set of personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations.
However, this proposal is not without controversy. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has opposed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of using it as a mere upcoming election agenda. The party argues that the UCC is being exploited for political gains rather than being approached with genuine concern for the country's diverse religious and cultural fabric.
IUML's resistance to the UCC underscores the ongoing debates surrounding the implementation of a common set of personal laws that would govern matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliations.
The controversy surrounding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India resurfaced after a lapse of almost four years. In its consultation paper, the Law Commission of India had previously stated that a UCC was not necessary or desirable at that time. However, in response to the relevance and importance of the subject and various court orders, the 22nd Law Commission decided to reexamine the issue.
The Commission, headed by former Karnataka high court chief justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, issued a public notice soliciting views and suggestions on the UCC from the public and recognized religious organizations. The notice mentioned that the Commission has been examining the subject matter of the UCC since receiving a reference from the Ministry of Law & Justice on June 17, 2016.
Interested individuals and organizations were given a 30-day period to present their views. This renewed examination has reignited the ongoing debate surrounding the UCC in India. And then Modi also echoed the Issue.
What is Uniform Civil Code:
A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposed set of laws that govern personal matters, including marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession, for all citizens of India, regardless of their religious background. Implementing a UCC is to replace the existing personal laws that vary based on religious affiliations, creating a common code that applies uniformly to all individuals.
The UCC aims to establish a unified legal framework to govern personal matters for all citizens in India. Personal laws are derived from religious texts and customs, resulting in different sets of laws for different religious communities. The UCC seeks to create a common code that supersedes these religious laws and ensures equal treatment for all citizens.
However, implementing such a code requires careful consideration due to India's diverse religious and cultural landscape. To illustrate the differences in personal laws in India, let's consider women's rights concerning inheritance. Under the Hindu Succession Act of 1956, which governs the rights of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs, Hindu women have equal rights to inherit property from their parents.
They enjoy the same entitlement as Hindu men, regardless of marital status. Furthermore, women are recognized as joint legal heirs for ancestral property partition, ensuring gender equality in inheritance laws.
In contrast, Muslim women are governed by the Muslim Personal Law, which entitles them to a share of their husband's property. The exact percentage varies, with it being either 1/8th or 1/4th, depending on the presence of children. However, the share of daughters is typically half that of sons under Muslim personal laws, leading to disparities in inheritance rights based on gender.
The provisions for a Uniform Civil Code are mentioned in the Indian Constitution. Article 44, which falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy, states that the State must strive to secure a uniform civil code for its citizens throughout the country.
However, it is essential to note that these directive principles serve as guiding principles for government policies and are not legally enforceable by courts, as stated in Article 37.
The concept of implementing a Uniform Civil Code has been a subject of intense debate and discussion in India.
Supporters argue that a UCC would promote equality, justice, and gender rights by eliminating discrepancies in personal laws based on religion. They believe that a common code would foster national integration and uphold the principles of a secular and diverse society.
On the other hand, opponents raise concerns about the potential impact on religious and cultural diversity. They argue that personal laws are deeply rooted in religious customs and traditions, and imposing a uniform code could infringe upon the rights and autonomy of minority communities. Protecting minority rights and preserving cultural identities are seen as crucial in maintaining a pluralistic society like India.
Arguments in Support of the UCC
Proponents of the UCC present several compelling arguments in favour of its implementation. Firstly, they emphasize that a UCC would promote gender equality and women's rights. It would eliminate discriminatory practices in some religious personal laws and provide equal rights in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and maintenance.
Advocates argue that a common code would contribute to a more equitable society.
Secondly, proponents of the UCC highlight the significance of national integration. They believe that a common civil code would foster a sense of unity among diverse religious communities and strengthen the country's secular fabric.
By replacing disparate laws with a uniform code applicable to all citizens, the UCC could contribute to a more cohesive and inclusive nation. Proponents argue that the UCC would streamline legal processes and reduce complexity.
Individuals from different religious backgrounds face distinct legal procedures and requirements for personal matters. Implementing a UCC would simplify the legal system and make it more accessible to all citizens.
Opponents of the UCC raise valid concerns regarding its potential impact on religious and cultural diversity. India is known for its rich tapestry of religions, each with its own customs and traditions. Critics argue that a uniform code could erode the country's cultural fabric and infringe upon its citizens' religious freedom. They believe that personal laws are deeply intertwined with communities' religious identity and practices, and imposing a common civil code may dilute the unique rights and protections enjoyed by minority groups.
Additionally, opponents highlight the need to protect minority rights. Personal laws shield minority communities, allowing them to preserve their distinct practices and customs. They argue that a UCC could undermine these protections and lead to the imposition of a majoritarian view that disregards the needs and concerns of minority communities. Furthermore, opponents of the UCC argue that the Issue has been politicized for electoral gains. They criticize the BJP's agenda of using the UCC as a tool to consolidate Hindu votes, suggesting that political calculations are prioritized over genuine discussions on the merits and drawbacks of a uniform code.
They call for a more inclusive and deliberative approach that considers the diverse perspectives of different communities. The debate surrounding the Uniform Civil Code in India is complex and nuanced. While proponents argue for gender equality, national integration, and streamlined legal processes, opponents emphasize the importance of protecting religious and cultural diversity and minority rights and preserving the autonomy of personal laws.
Engaging in a thoughtful and inclusive dialogue that considers the concerns and aspirations of all stakeholders is crucial. As the nation moves forward, a balanced and well-considered approach will be necessary to address the complexities of the UCC and ensure the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious practices and personal laws in India.
Share This Post On
0 comments
Leave a comment
You need to login to leave a comment. Log-in
