uniform-civil-code

Reports have surfaced that the central government is preparing to introduce the Uniform Civil Code Bill in the winter session of Parliament. The Commission's website has also provided a facility for the submission of comments and suggestions on the Uniform Civil Code. People should be prepared to make maximum use of this facility. It is a hot topic with many concerns and concerns for various sections. The position of all the main opposition parties is that this should not happen as it will divide the country. Meanwhile, the implementation of this law is a long-standing promise of the BJP. The Centre is making moves to implement this even before the Lok Sabha elections next year. If this is implemented, there will naturally be a concern that some minority groups will lose the rights they currently enjoy. Moreover, many fake campaigns regarding this may spread through social media and it may create unrest and conflict in the country. Therefore, the central government should take steps to conduct clear awareness, campaign and discussions about this law at all levels. When the Citizenship Amendment Act was announced, there were even false propagandas that people belonging to a certain category would have to leave the country. This has empowered certain groups to exploit and commit violence.

With the Uniform Civil Code, personal law will apply equally to all citizens irrespective of religion, sex or caste. The code will be crucial for many personal matters such as marriage, divorce, succession and adoption. The existing Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Muslim Personal Law etc. will technically disappear with the introduction of the Uniform Civil Code. This can lead to disputes, disagreements and even legal proceedings. Awareness should be given before the implementation of the bill to ensure that this is not in any way an interference by the government in the practices or beliefs of any religious group.

It has also been said in the constitution that efforts should be made to implement personal law that applies equally to all people in the country. But it has not been said that this should definitely be implemented. The BJP-ruled states of Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam and Madhya Pradesh are already progressing towards a uniform civil code. This is not an issue to be used for electoral gains. Beyond that, this law should be in a position to provide equal justice to all in India. Legitimate concerns and grievances of minorities should be taken into account and addressed. Therefore, all citizens should be careful to make maximum use of the opportunity to express their opinion in the Commission.