This refers to the article, “From Shah Bano to Shayara Bano” (May 9) by JS Rajput. During the Constituent Assembly debate on a Common Civil Code, BR Ambedkar allayed the fears of the Muslim community by stating that the provision for a uniform civil code “merely proposes that the state shall endeavour to secure a civil code for the citizens of the country. It does not say that after the code is framed, the state shall enforce it upon all citizens merely because they are citizens”.
It is unfortunate that religious practices have undermined the interests of women and has made them prisoners of patriarchy. Women have been left to battle with personal laws. It’s time the Muslim community stopped patronising unconstitutional practices in the name of religion that are violative of the rights to equality, dignity, life and freedom of religion under the Constitution. The Government must build a consensus on the adoption of a Common Civil Code than look for a legal remedy that can antagonise minority communities.