How is the Law Commission reviewing the Uniform Civil Code in India
Evaluate the reasons behind the Law Commission's decision to revisit the Uniform Civil Code in India and the Congress' response to it.
- The Law Commission has stated that it is seeking public opinion on the UCC as part of its effort to 'address social injustice, gender inequality and all forms of discrimination.' It has released a questionnaire seeking feedback from stakeholders, lawyers, and citizens on various issues related to the UCC.
- The decision to revisit the UCC comes after the Supreme Court of India asked the Law Commission to examine the issue in a 2018 case related to the rights of Muslim women in divorce cases. The court observed that 'there is a necessity for the legislature to seriously consider uniform civil code' and referred the matter to the Law Commission for review.
- The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has long been in favor of implementing a UCC, arguing that it will promote gender justice and national unity. However, the Congress party, which is the main opposition party, has criticized the BJP's approach to the issue. Congress leaders have argued that the UCC should not be imposed but should instead emerge out of a process of dialogue and consensus-building with different religious communities.
- Opponents of the UCC have raised concerns that it could threaten the autonomy and diversity of minority communities. Some have argued that implementing a UCC could be seen as an attempt by the majority Hindu community to impose its beliefs on minority communities. Others have argued that implementing a UCC without addressing underlying social inequalities could lead to further marginalization of vulnerable communities.
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2 years ago