The Law Commission of India said on Wednesday that it will be re-evaluating the necessity of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and seeking inputs from various stakeholders, including the general public and religious organisations. The previous 21st Law Commission, which concluded its term in August 2018, had previously examined the matter and sought the opinions of all stakeholders on two separate occasions regarding the politically-sensitive issue of a UCC.
In 2018, a consultation paper titled ‘Reforms of Family Law’ was released. However, considering the passage of over three years since the issuance of the paper, the relevance and significance of the subject, and the various court orders pertaining to it, the 22nd Law Commission of India deemed it necessary to re-examine the topic afresh, according to a statement by the commission.
The 22nd Law Commission, which recently received a three-year extension, has now commenced its examination of issues related to the UCC based on a reference from the Ministry of Law and Justice. The commission’s statement mentioned that it has decided to once again seek the views and ideas of the public at large, as well as recognised religious organisations, regarding the Uniform Civil Code. Interested individuals and organisations can present their perspectives within a 30-day period following the notice from the Law Commission.
Meanwhile, the BJP-led Uttarakhand Government established an expert committee last year, headed by retired Justice Ranjana Desai, to draft the Uniform Civil Code. On Wednesday, Justice Desai stated that the code being drafted by the committee of experts for Uttarakhand would fortify the social fabric, promote gender equality, and help address economic, social, and religious inequalities.
Desai spoke to reporters at an event in Delhi, where suggestions on the proposed UCC were being sought from people of Uttarakhand residing in the national capital. She emphasized that the committee aims to create a draft that is widely accepted by people of all religions. The committee’s recommendations will encompass a broad range of issues, including marriage, divorce, succession, guardianship, custody, and inheritance, with a primary focus on safeguarding the interests of women, children, and differently-abled individuals.
Desai added, “We are concentrating more on women, children, and individuals with disabilities. We are striving for gender equality. We believe that our draft, if accepted, will strengthen the secular foundation of our nation. We want this, and we are confident that we will achieve it. We are proposing measures to address issues such as marriage, divorce, succession, guardianship, custody, and inheritance, which directly impact the lives of ordinary people. I am confident that it will be embraced by the people and the state.”
Desai stated that the implementation of a uniform civil code would facilitate a more effective fight against economic, social, and religious inequalities. The committee expects to present the final draft of the UCC for Uttarakhand in the near future. During the public consultation process, Desai reported an “overwhelming support” for the Uniform Civil Code.
“We will ensure that everyone is satisfied...all religious groups. It will be acceptable to all, I promise you. The majority of the people are in favor,” she affirmed. Speaking at the event, Satrughna Singh, a retired IAS officer and member of the UCC committee, reassured that the formation of the uniform code would not infringe upon the traditions of communities. He added, “Traditional rituals will actually be protected.”