As the term of the 22nd Law Commission concludes on Saturday, the crucial report on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) remains incomplete, raising concerns about its future.
The absence of a Chairperson has contributed to delays in finalizing the report, which was likely to address the UCC following renewed consultations initiated by the Commission last year.
The position of Chairperson became vacant in March when (retired) Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi was appointed to the Lok Pal, India’s anti-corruption watchdog.
Without a Chairperson, the Commission is unable to submit the UCC report.
In contrast, a separate report on simultaneous elections, produced by a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, is reportedly ready but remains unpublished.
The report, which explores the concept of One Nation, One Election, finalized in March but is awaiting formal submission.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been vocal about the need for a Uniform Civil Code.
In his Independence Day speech, he emphasized the urgency of implementing what he termed a secular civil code to replace the current communal civil code, which he criticized as discriminatory and outdated.
PM Modi argued that laws fostering communal divisions have no place in a modern, inclusive society.
Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution underscores the state’s responsibility to establish a Uniform Civil Code across the nation.
Recently, the state of Uttarakhand introduced its own UCC, further highlighting the growing interest in uniform legal standards.
The Uniform Civil Code has been a prominent feature in BJP election manifestos, reflecting its significance in the party’s legislative agenda.
With the Law Commission’s term ending and the Chairperson’s position still vacant, the future of the UCC report remains uncertain.
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