Guidelines for states to implement UCC? What was the government's response?

Uniform Civil Code: An important question was raised in the winter session of the Parliament of India, asking whether the Central Government has issued any guidelines to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in different states of the country? Responding to this question, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal clarified that the government has not issued any guidelines to the state governments in this regard. He said that such propagated information is completely wrong.

The Law Minister, referring to the architect of the Constitution, Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, said that Ambedkar had made it clear in the Constituent Assembly that a uniform civil code would be implemented in India. However, Ambedkar also said that subjects like marriage and succession do not come under civil law. For this reason, the Constitution talks about a uniform civil code under Article 44 (which was earlier Article 35), which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

What does Uniform Civil Code mean?

The aim of the Uniform Civil Code is to implement a uniform law for all Indian citizens, which is not based on any particular religion. It aims to ensure equal rights for all sections of the society, especially in personal laws such as marriage, adoption, succession, etc. However, no major changes have been made in this direction yet.

Prime Minister's View

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his views on the Uniform Civil Code in his Independence Day address. He said that the Supreme Court has given many instructions on this subject and it is included in the Directive Principles of the Constitution. The Prime Minister also said that it was the dream of the Indian Constitution makers to implement a Uniform Civil Code in the country, and it is our responsibility to implement it. He believes that there should be serious discussion on this subject and it is the duty of the state to ensure Uniform Civil Code across the country.

Uniform Civil Code implemented in Uttarakhand

Currently, the state of Uttarakhand has implemented the Uniform Civil Code. This move has given a new twist to this subject, and it can become an example for other state governments. The central government has referred the issue to the Law Commission, which started fresh public consultation on it last year. Earlier, the 21st Law Commission worked on it till 2018 and sought suggestions from all stakeholders twice on the subject. As a result, an advisory was issued in 2018 to reform family laws.

Conclusion

The subject of Uniform Civil Code is an important and sensitive issue in Indian politics and society. The government has not yet issued any clear guidelines on this, but Prime Minister Modi and the Law Commission are active about it. This issue remains a topic of discussion not only from a legal point of view but also from a social and cultural point of view. Now it remains to be seen what steps are taken across the country regarding Uniform Civil Code in the future and what kind of impact it has on Indian society.