Initially: The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has been a topic of extensive deliberation and controversy in India on multiple times. As a content writer for the Lok Jan Shakti political party, I am responsible for investigating this subject while considering the party’s stance. Let’s delve deeper into the concept of the UCC, exploring its historical context and the challenges it presents.
Are you familiar with the concept of the Uniform Civil Code? A Uniform Civil Code is a proposed legal framework aimed at replacing the existing personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession. The UCC would uniformly apply to all individuals, irrespective of their religious ties, in contrast to the existing system, which differs according to religious relationships. By harmonizing personal rules, it successfully achieves the objective of finding a middle ground between modernity and tradition.
Regarding historical matters:
The formulation of personal laws largely targeted Hindu and Muslim inhabitants of British India during the British Raj, a period spanning from 1858 to 1947. Due to apprehensions of encountering opposition from community leaders, the British chose not to intervene any more in this residential area.
After India gained independence in 1947, the Indian government introduced the Hindu Code Bills. These initiatives led to the codification and revision of the personal laws of many sects of Buddhists, Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs. However, they did not show any bias or prejudice towards Parsis, Jews, Christians, or Muslims.
The Goa Civil Code, a prevalent family code, was upheld in the Indian state of Goa during the period of Portuguese colonial rule. Prior to the year 2024, it was the sole state in India that has a standard civil code.
Arguments in Support and Opposition:
Advocates of the UCC: Equality: A UCC ensures that all individuals, irrespective of their religious background, receive equal treatment.
The establishment of uniform laws can help solve the considerable disparities between the sexes found in personal laws.
A shared code is crucial for national integration in order to promote national unity and cohesiveness.
Principles of guidance: According to Article 44 of the Constitution of India, the state is required to utilize common law before creating national policies.Adversaries of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) encompass:
Freedom of Religion: Certain individuals argue that personal laws constitute an essential element of the religious liberty safeguarded by Articles 25–28 of the Constitution.
India’s profound cultural variety necessitates a high level of sensitivity towards the multitude of customs present inside the country.
Political Resistance: Community leaders often express opposition to any engagement in religious matters that they perceive to be taking place.
Lok Jan Shakti’s stance: The Lok Jan Shakti party recognizes the significance of implementing a comprehensive and balanced approach. When supporting a UCC, the party focuses on:
Inclusivity: The UCC should demonstrate reverence for the diversity of cultures and provide adjustments for a wide range of customs.
Gender equity entails the systematic effort to guarantee that women possess equal rights within the framework of a universally accepted set of rules.
“Consultation” refers to the act of actively involving religious leaders and communities in order to address their problems.
In conclusion, the endeavour to establish a Uniform Civil Code is not only challenging but also of utmost significance. Achieving the optimal balance between modernity and heritage necessitates thoughtful deliberation and thorough study. As we progress, it is important to prioritize the objectives of a culturally diverse society, while simultaneously upholding the values of fairness and impartiality.