Uniform Civil Code Debate Gains Momentum Across India

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) continues to generate debate across India, with states weighing its potential benefits and drawbacks.

Article 44 of the Constitution’s Directive Principles of State Policy calls on the state to endeavour to secure a common civil code for all citizens.

The Bharat Collective Foundation organised a programme to discuss the issue. Participants included retired Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Karol, Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar, Uttarakhand UCC member Manu Goud and senior advocates.

Justice Karol welcomed the UCC, describing it as a framework that provides one law for everyone. He praised the participants and discussed khap panchayats, triple talaq and the challenges surrounding the Supreme Court’s handling of the Shah Bano case.

Referring to Article 44 and the upcoming Chhath Puja celebrations, Karol said, “If you want to understand Article 44, go to Bihar.” He also discussed the legal aspects of live-in relationships.

Senior Delhi High Court advocate Kirti Uppal highlighted Dr BR Ambedkar’s views on the need for a UCC.

Uttarakhand’s Experience with UCC

Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar said around 8 million people had submitted suggestions on the proposed common civil code.

Manu Goud thanked the organisers and said Uttarakhand had implemented the UCC nearly one year and nine months earlier. He described it as the first state to introduce the code and noted that other states were preparing to follow suit.

Goud argued that a common civil code was necessary to unite India despite religious differences.

He also discussed differences in marriage practices across religions and suggested that political considerations had prevented successive governments from introducing a UCC since Independence.

He said the Supreme Court had dismissed a public interest litigation challenging Uttarakhand’s move to establish a committee for drafting the code.

Goud added that the state held consultations across villages and districts to collect public suggestions before implementation. The debate now centres on whether all states will adopt a UCC nearly 79 years after Independence.

Also Read: PM Modi Mocks Congress Over Zero Wins In Legislative Council Polls Across States