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Jharkhand polls: Sachin Pilot slams BJP for cashing on UCC, NRC, & Ram Mandir

November 5, 2024, 8:27 pm

Ahead of the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections, Congress leader Sachin Pilot criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party strategically highlights issues like the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), National Register of Citizens (NRC), and the Ram Mandir only before elections. “Right before elections, BJP remembers issues like the UCC, NRC, Ram Mandir, and other such topics. But they don’t remember the farmers, fertilizers, electricity, water, industries, and other developmental issues,” Pilot remarked, taking aim at the BJP’s approach to campaigning.

Calls for Accountability on Developmental Work

Pilot urged that parties should seek votes based on their contributions to development rather than polarizing topics. “You should ask for a vote on the basis of your work,” he stated, asserting that the BJP’s central government had not received a clear mandate, instead relying on coalition support after the electorate “shattered the BJP’s ‘400 paar’ slogan.”

Pilot also accused the BJP-led central government of withholding funds from Jharkhand due to its non-BJP administration. He suggested that Jharkhand is a “prime example of discrimination” from the central government, alleging that the state has been intentionally deprived of funds. “The INDIA alliance will win the elections,” he added, voicing confidence in the alliance’s prospects.

Responds to CM Yogi Adityanath’s Comment

When asked about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s controversial remark, “batenge toh katenge,” Pilot criticized such rhetoric, advising that election campaigns should center on development rather than divisive statements. “Such things are said to divert people’s attention,” he said, emphasizing a focus on constructive issues.

Jharkhand’s 81-member legislative assembly will hold elections in two phases on November 13 and 20, with vote counting scheduled for November 23.

Amit Shah Releases BJP’s Jharkhand Manifesto, Vows UCC Exclusion for Tribals and Action Against Infiltrators

November 3, 2024, 1:27 pm

Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the BJP’s manifesto for the Jharkhand Assembly elections on Sunday, promising to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. Shah emphasized that while the UCC would be introduced, tribal communities would remain outside its scope to protect their identity and heritage. “The identity and heritage of the tribal communities will be fully preserved,” he assured.

Focus on Driving Out Infiltrators and Returning Land to Tribals

Shah pledged a crackdown on illegal infiltrators from Bangladesh, vowing to reclaim land occupied by them and restore it to Jharkhand’s tribal communities. He also criticized the current state administration for failing to ensure women’s security, stating, “We will bring the law and return the land taken away from women.”

The BJP manifesto includes a commitment to provide Rs 2,100 per month to women under the ‘Gogo Didi Scheme’ and offer free LPG cylinders on Diwali and Rakshabandhan, with additional cylinders priced at Rs 500. Shah also promised to create 500,000 employment opportunities for youth, including 287,000 government jobs. A monthly stipend of Rs 2,000 for two years has been pledged to support young people starting their careers.

Infrastructure and Anti-Corruption Measures

The BJP pledged to deliver concrete homes to 21 lakh families, each with tap water connections. Shah also took a hard stance against exam paper leak mafias, declaring that the BJP, if elected, would impose severe penalties to ensure fairness in recruitment. Transparency in hiring was highlighted, with Shah promising that 2,87,500 government jobs would be filled, beginning immediately after taking office, and aiming to complete 1.5 lakh appointments by November 2025.

The Jharkhand Assembly elections for 81 seats are scheduled for November 13 and November 20, with results to be announced on November 23. The inclusion of UCC in Jharkhand is also part of BJP’s broader agenda for the 2024 general elections, aligning with its national stance on establishing uniform laws across personal matters for all citizens.

‘Will not accept CAA, NRC, UCC’ says Mamata at Eid prayer

April 11, 2024, 12:11 pm

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made it clear on Thursday, April 11, that she stands firm against the implementation of the CAA, NRC, and Uniform Civil Code in the state.

Addressing a gathering during an Eid prayer, Mamata Banerjee reiterated West Bengal’s stance against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019, the National Register of Citizens, and the Uniform Civil Code. She cautioned the audience to remain vigilant against potential provocations during elections and urged them not to fall prey to any such schemes.

She warned that certain elements might attempt to instigate riots during elections and advised those attending the event to remain vigilant and not succumb to such tactics.

“We will not accept the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, National Register of Citizens, and Uniform Civil Code. If we stand together, no one can harm us,” Banerjee declared during her address at Red Road.

Emphasizing her party’s fight against the BJP, she stated, “We will make decisions regarding the INDIA bloc later. But in Bengal, please ensure that no votes go to any other party.”

Banerjee also criticized the BJP-led central government for allegedly employing central investigative agencies against opposition parties. Accompanying her at the Eid gathering was TMC national general secretary and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee.

Mamata Banerjee’s statement comes a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s criticism of her, accusing her of “misleading” people on the CAA and enabling infiltrators for vote bank politics. Shah stressed that refugees should apply for citizenship without fear.

During an election rally in Balurghat, Bengal, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Amit Shah criticized the TMC government for allegedly shielding the culprits in the Bhupatinagar bomb blast case and for filing cases against NIA officials.

“Mamata didi is misleading people about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Why is she against refugees obtaining citizenship? I request refugees not to be afraid, please apply for citizenship, there will be absolutely no problem. No police case will be filed against you. Granting citizenship to refugees is our commitment,” Amit Shah addressed the rally.

Uniform Civil Code, A Structured Approach That Incorporates Historical Background, Legal Precedents, Comparative Analysis, And Current Debates

March 13, 2024, 11:24 am

While the whole of Bharat is contemplating whether the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code is feasible or not or whether the draft coming up would be able to accommodate the whole of diversified cultures and practices, it becomes important to dig back into the nitty-gritty of the concept and take a look at its necessity in the contemporary times.

A system of rules that regulate personal concerns for all individuals, regardless of religion, such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession, is known as a uniform civil code. The UCC seeks to supersede the various personal laws already in force, which differ according to religious affiliations. It is very well enshrined under Article 44[1] of the Indian Constitution under the Directive Principles of State Policy. Actually, the 1954 Special Marriage Act[2] permits any citizen to get married without the purview of any unique religious personal law, making Goa the sole state with a common family law. Recently, Uttarakhand has also become the first state to present a draft of UCC and the process for the same is being followed so as to validate its implication. When the question of its need arises, it becomes necessary to outline the significance of the said code because a secular democratic nation like India has to create universal civil and personal laws for all of its citizens in the current period since different laws should not apply to different classes, castes, genders, racial groups, and religions but a holistic uniform law is necessary as to erode the archaic practices against women and sometimes men in different cultures and religions which harm the basic dignity and rights of the individuals. It is a well-known fact that practically all faiths have personal regulations that are skewed towards men. Usually, discrimination against women occurs during inheritance or succession planning. There is a chance that UCC will achieve gender parity. The favouritism of various faiths’ personal rules towards the patriarchal notion of society causes some very grave issues. Common law implementation can close these gaps and remove prejudices among Indian residents. Equal treatment for all Indians is required, and a Uniform Civil Code makes this possible. The personal laws of the religious communities are not equal in the current situation. For example, Muslims in India are permitted to marry more than once.

However, if a Hindu or Christian did the same, they might get into trouble with the law. Such disparities go counter to the notion of equality in our nation. Therefore, UCC may guarantee that every Indian is treated fairly by establishing uniform laws pertaining to marriage, inheritance, family problems, and property ownership. Article 44[3] says, “The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.” but the scope and its implication in the present day Bharat has to be analysed. India features a distinctive fusion of the codified personal laws of Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Parsis. All Indians do not live under a single statute book that has all of the family-related laws that are acceptable to the several coexisting religious communities in India. But the bulk of them think that UCC is unquestionably desirable and would significantly contribute to the fortification and consolidation of Indian nationalism but the basic structure of the constitution that was enshrined under the Keshvananda Bharti Vs. The State of Kerala[4] such as the sensitive articles of 25[5] and 26[6] of the Indian Constitution. There are disagreements over when and how it should be accomplished. It is the responsibility of political and intellectual leaders to work towards a consensus rather than utilising it as a wedge issue to further their political agendas. Therefore, it becomes important to trace the historical background and dig into the whole debate of as to the necessity of UCC.

The British Government created uniform rules for crimes, evidence, and contracts in 1840 based on the Lex Loci report; nevertheless, they purposefully left some personal laws belonging to Muslims and Hindus in place. However, the judiciary of British India allowed British judges to use English, Muslim, and Hindu law. Reformers were also vocal in those days, advocating for laws that would protect women from discrimination on the basis of religious practices such as Sati, etc. The members of the Constituent Assembly, which was established in 1946 in Independent India, were divided into two groups: those who, like Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, wished to reform society by implementing a Uniform Civil Code, and others who were essentially Muslim delegates who upheld personal laws. Additionally, minority communities in the Constituent Assembly criticised the supporters of the Uniform Civil Code. Because of this, Article 44 of the DPSP (Directive Principles of State Policy) adds just one sentence to the Constitution. Since it is a part of the DPSP, minorities, particularly Muslims, feel that it violates or annuls their own laws, therefore neither political disagreement nor enforcement in court is possible. Then, a number of bills known as the Hindu Code Bill were passed to codify Hindu laws. These bills included the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955[7], the Hindu Succession Act of 1956[8], the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act of 1956[9], and the Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act of 1956[10]. These bills covered Buddhists, Sikhs, Jains, and various Hindu religious denominations. They also eliminated bigamy and polygamy and gave women the right to divorce and inheritance.

There has been a lot of judicial discussion on the legality and the jurisprudence behind the concept of the Uniform Civil Code and therefore understanding the judicial as well as the government’s side of the case. Firstly, the Shah Bano Case is mostly known as Muhammad Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum[11]. Shah Bano filed for maintenance under section 125[12] of the Code of Criminal Procedure in this Supreme Court case in 1985 after her husband gave her a triple talaq divorce after 40 years of marriage and refused to give her regular maintenance. Shah Bano was granted a favourable ruling by the Supreme Court through the use of section 125 of the Indian Criminal Code, which is applicable to all people regardless of their faith. Chief Justice Y.V. Chandrachud then noted that by eliminating differing allegiances to the law, a Common Civil Code would further the cause of national integration. Thus, the court gave Parliament the order to draft a UCC. However, the Rajiv Gandhi government was not happy with the court’s ruling and, rather than backing it, passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986[13], which overturned the Shah Bano case’s Supreme Court ruling and allowed Muslim Personal Law to take precedence in divorce cases. According to this act, a Muslim woman’s claim to maintenance is limited to three months following her divorce, or iddat, after which it is transferred to her family or the Wakf Board. In the Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India[14] case, the Supreme Court again instructed the government to follow Article 44. The issue concerned whether a Hindu spouse who was married under Hindu law could legally enter into a second marriage by converting to Islam. The Supreme Court ruled that it is a misuse of personal laws to convert to Islam in order to get married again. The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955[15] stipulates that a Hindu marriage can be dissolved. This means that merely changing to Islam and being married again does not nullify the Hindu marriage law and will be punishable under Section 494(5) of the Indian Penal Code.[16]

In 1997, John Vallamatton, a priest from Kerala, filed a writ suit, claiming that Section 118 of the Indian Succession Act discriminated against Christians by placing unjustifiable limitations on their ability to donate property by will for religious or charitable purposes. The section was declared illegal by the bench, which included Chief Justice of India V.V. Khare, Justice S.B. Sinha, and Justice A.R. Lakshamanan. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act[17] appears to be an attempt to move towards UCC after its ruling. Additionally, it made it possible for members of the Muslim community to adopt children even though it was against their own personal laws.

The Union Government was once more requested by the Supreme Court of India to establish a UCC in order to eliminate gender inequity and the antiquated customs that were adhered to within the confines of personal laws. Perhaps the most important law of the day is the Common Civil Code, which would establish a set of rules to regulate everyone’s personal affairs regardless of their religious beliefs. It is, in actuality, the basis of authentic secularism. Not only would a progressive change like this help put an end to discrimination against women based on their religion, but it would also fortify the nation’s secular fabric and foster togetherness. Our societal structure needs to be changed because it is full of injustices, discrimination, and other issues that go against our fundamental rights. As far as we are aware, the Criminal Code is applicable to everyone in the nation, regardless of their religion, caste, tribe, or place of residence; however, there is no comparable code for divorce and succession, which are handled by personal laws. Tax law contradictions are the reason for the necessity of UCC. It also addresses the issue of honour killings by extra constitutional entities like Khap Panchayats. For example, Muslims are exempt from paying stamp duty on gift deeds, whereas Hindu Undivided Families are not subject to taxes.

In India, the UCC has been a divisive topic with a range of sociopolitical ramifications. Advocates contend that the UCC would advance national integration, secularism, and gender justice. Equal rights for women and minorities would be guaranteed, and the discriminatory sections of personal laws would be removed. It would also eliminate religious differences in civil cases, strengthening the secular foundation of the country. Additionally, it would streamline the legal system and make doing business easier by giving all citizens a common foundation. Opponents contend, however, that the UCC would infringe upon the rights to cultural diversity and freedom of religion. They contend that since individual laws are derived from the religious convictions and customs of various communities, any attempt to impose a common code would jeopardise those groups’ sense of self and independence. Additionally, they worry that the UCC would be used to incite societal unrest by forcing the dominant Hindu culture on minority communities. Furthermore, they contend that since personal laws have already undergone a number of revisions, the UCC is not required and that any future changes should be achieved through discussion and consensus-building.

The 21st Law Commission of India was tasked in 2016 by the Ministry of Law and Justice to investigate issues pertaining to the Uniform Civil Code, following the BJP’s victory in the general election of 2014. Following extensive investigation and consultation with many parties, the Law Commission produced its report in 2018. According to the paper, “at this stage, a uniform civil code is neither necessary nor desirable.” In relation to the Uniform Civil Code, Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay v. Union of India[18] is the most recent case. In this instance, the Union Government requested that the Supreme Court reject each and every PIL that called for a uniform civil code. The administration contended that the legislature cannot be ordered by the courts to pass legislation. The sovereign authority to pass laws rests with Parliament. But the government also claims that it is a “affront to the nation’s unity” when different individuals obey various laws. It further states that the government would bring this issue to the 22nd Law Commission for consideration when the chairman and members are constituted. Recently, BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena filed a private member’s bill in the Rajya Sabha to establish the Uniform Civil Code. There were 23 votes against the measure and 63 in favour of it. It aims to establish a “National Inspection and Investigation Committee” to oversee the creation and application of the Uniform Civil Code.

India is a large nation with a deep cultural history. In addition to the main faiths, each religion has its own denominations because of how culturally varied it is. They don’t appear alike because of how drastically different their practices and forms of devotion are. For example, consanguineous marriage is widespread among Dravidian Hindus in southern India, while it is not observed among hindus in northern India. As a result, creating a single civil law for a nation the size of India is difficult. In terms of a unified civil code, Ambedkar thought it was desirable, but first it should be optional. In actuality, Muslims were primarily subject to Hindu law regarding succession up until 1937, with the exception of the North-West Frontier Province and the United Provinces, both located in India. Despite being the leading proponent of a universal civil code, Nehru responded that Indian culture was not ready for one when asked why his administration had not implemented one. More than 75,000 persons participated in a poll that the Law Commission conducted in 2016. The people made recommendations about how the improvements ought to be carried out. This study supports the idea that people now want the laws that are in place to be changed. In this sense, the Law Commission’s recommendations are quite useful. According to the panel, the wisest course of action in the current situation is to protect the variety of personal laws while also making sure that they do not conflict with the fundamental rights protected by the constitution. Prior to anything else, the family-related personal laws need to be codified and any disparities need to be eliminated.

Without a doubt, everyone’s private religious liberties will be violated if a Uniform Civil Code is implemented. Freedom of conscience, as well as freedom to practise, preach, and spread religion, are guaranteed under Article 25[19]. The right of religious communities to practise their religion freely will be infringed by a uniform civil code. In a democratic nation, the majority opinion will usually win out, and if the majority’s viewpoint is supported by solid evidence, the public’s choice will also likely win out. There’s no shortage of data to support the non-applicability of a Uniform Civil Code. From violations of religious freedom to contraventions of Article 14[20], which stipulates that persons who are diverse or unequal should be treated differently—in this case, differently according to their various religious practices and traditions. Of course, this image is not complete. Public rights are violated when people are treated differently by different laws since the same incident may result in different or no penalty at all. Hindu law forbids polygamy, however Shariat law permits a man to have more than one wife. As a result, the same circumstance will have contradicting results. The Indian population may not be prepared for the code to be enacted, but it is nevertheless imperative that it be applied in this secular, civilised society where people should not identify with any one faith. Therefore, whether it’s a criminal, civil, or religious issue, every individual should be subject to the same laws in all circumstances.

CONCLUSION

Due to the complexity of the UCC, political, social, and legal aspects must all be carefully taken into account. It also presents threats to religious freedom and cultural variety, even while it has the ability to advance gender justice, secularism, and national cohesion. As a result, every effort to put the UCC into effect should involve close communication with all relevant parties, such as women’s organisations, religious institutions, and legal professionals. It should also be applied gradually, with suitable safeguards and allowances for transitional procedures. Rather than being viewed as a danger to the fundamental ideals of equality, freedom, and variety, the UCC should be viewed as a tool for strengthening them. The UCC would be the perfect means of defending citizens’ rights in a perfect state. The legislation will be progressive once it is adopted. The need for a Common Civil Code has emerged in response to the evolving needs of all citizens, regardless of faith, in order to safeguard their fundamental rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. By implementing UCC, Secularism and National Integrity can also be reinforced.

Our nation’s current future was intended by the writers of our constitution. Yes, they intended to implement the Uniform Civil Code at the moment of independence, but the tensions between the various communities at the time made it impractical. Even while things aren’t ideal right now, they are definitely better. All that remains is for our nation’s legislators to take the initiative. The outcry from the public should be dealt with later.

The author Anil Mehta, is an advocate and Special Cousel, ED. Former Senior Standing Counsel, UT Chandigarh; Managing Partner, Lex Solutions; Advocates, Solicitors & Consultants.

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[1] India Const. art. 44.

[2] Special Marriage Act, 1954, No. 43, Acts of Parliament, 1954 (India).

[3] Id at. 1.

[4] Keshvananda Bharti v. The State of Kerala, 1973 4 SCC 225.

[5] India Const. art. 25.

[6] India Const. art. 26.

[7] Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 1955 (India).

[8] Hindu Succession Act, 1956, No. 30, Acts of Parliament, 1956 (India).

[9] Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, No. 32, Acts of Parliament, 1956 (India).

[10] Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956, No. 78, Acts of Parliament, 1956 (India).

[11] Muhammad Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum, 1985 (2) SCC 556.

[12] The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, § 125, No. 2, Acts of Parliament, 2973 (India).

[13] Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, No. 25, Acts of Parliament, 1986 (India).

[14] Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India case, AIR 1995 SC 1531.

[15] Id at. 7.

[16] The Indian Penal Code, 1860, § 494, cl. 5, No. 45, Acts of Parliament, 1860 (India).

[17] The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of children) Act, 2015, No. 2, Acts of Parliament, 2015 (India).

[18] Ashwani Kumar Upadhyay V Union of India ,2022 SCC OnLine SC 1594.

[19] India Const. art. 25.

[20] India Const. art. 14.

AIUDF MLA : Centre won’t be able to implement UCC as it doesn’t reflect ground reality

September 14, 2023, 12:31 pm

The planned consistent Civil Code (UCC) has drawn criticism from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), which claims that the BJP-led Union government is unable to enforce consistent civil laws throughout the nation.

AIUDF MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya said it wasn’t feasible to implement the UCC across the country as it doesn’t reflect the “ground reality”.
“It is not possible for the BJP-led central government to implement the UCC across the country as it is not in sync with the conventions and rules that people practising different faiths or belonging to diverse communities are bound by. While our country is characterised by its unity in diversity, people belonging to different religious faiths follow their own set of rules or provisions that are guaranteed by the Constitution. This is the beauty of India. It is an aspect that our country is known for globally. However, the BJP is out to destroy it. They call themselves the flag-bearers of Hindutva but in reality, they are neither working to advance the interests of the majority community or people belonging to other religious faiths. They are merely playing an emotional card. Forget India, they can’t even implement UCC in the Northeast,” the MLA told.

The Assam government established a committee on Wednesday to draft suitable legislation for outlawing polygamy and other practices, such as interfaith marriage by false identity and the alleged role of Kazi in performing child marriages. The committee was chaired by the state’s advocate general, Devajit Lon Saikia.
The AIUDF MLA attacked Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, saying, “The BJP is only bringing one Bill after another for political mileage.”

Nagaland Assembly adopts resolution for exemption from UCC

September 13, 2023, 10:52 am

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio declared that the proposed law would “pose a threat” to the state’s customary laws, social practices, and religious practices after the Nagaland Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging the State to be exempt from the scope of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was vehemently opposed by the Assembly members, including Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, on Monday. On Tuesday, the House unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the proposed law.

After the Chief Minister moved the resolution against UCC, the House unanimously adopted it urging that the state be completely exempted from the purview of the proposed UCC.
“…Whereas the apparent objective of the UCC is to have a single law on personal matters such as marriage and divorce, custody and guardianship, adoption and maintenance, succession and inheritance, and our view is that UCC would pose a threat to the customary laws, and social and religious practices, which would be in danger of encroachment in the event of imposition of UCC…,” Rio said.

He added that the government of Nagaland had expressed its opposition to UCC on July 4 to the Law Commission through a Cabinet decision, citing the state’s distinct history and the constitutional protection provided by Article 371 (A).

“In the consultative meeting with various stakeholders on the UCC organised by the state government on September 1, the representatives of various tribal hohos and organisations had expressed their strong resentment and objection to the idea of having a UCC,” Rio said.
He added that Article 371(A) provides for the protection of the religious and social practices of the Nagas.
On June 14, the 22nd Law Commission solicited the views and ideas of the public and recognised religious organisations to examine the UCC.

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a contentious issue that had divided opinion over the previous four years, came to the fore once more after Prime Minister Narendra Modi argued forcefully in favor of the adoption of uniform legislation during a recent address. According to PM Modi, the country cannot function under two sets of laws, and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is consistent with the Constitution’s guiding ideals.

Nagaland Assembly opposes proposed UCC, implementation of forest act

September 12, 2023, 12:25 pm

The Nagaland legislature spoke out against the proposed Uniform Civil Code and the execution of the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Act on Monday, seeking protection under the 16-Point Agreement and Article 371A.

On the opening day of the monsoon session, all parties, including the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party, BJP, NCP, NPP, LJP (Ram Vilas), Naga People’s Front, RPI (Athawale), JD(U), and Independents, discussed the concerns.

Nagas enjoy particular protection under Article 371A, according to NPF MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu, hence the UCC and Forest Conservation Amendment Act must be discussed.

“Article 371A clearly states that no act of Parliament shall apply to the State of Nagaland in respect of the religious or social practices of the Nagas, its customary laws and procedure, administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Naga customary laws and ownership and transfer of land and its resources unless the state assembly so decides,” he said and proposed that the House pass a resolution rejecting the UCC and the forest Act.

Temjen Imna Along, president of the Nagaland BJP and a cabinet minister, told the legislature that they will support the resolution on both subjects. P Longon, deputy leader of the NCP legislature party, and Nuklutoshi Longkumer, leader of the NPP legislature party, both stated that the two laws are inapplicable not Nagaland.

In his closing remarks on both meetings, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that Nagaland is the only state to have joined the Indian Union through the signing of a political pact – the 16 Point pact – and the insertion of Article 371A into the Indian Constitution.

Any further delay in implementation of UCC will be corrosive, says VP Jagdeep Dhankar

July 4, 2023, 1:54 pm

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday emphasized that “any further delay in implementation of UCC will be corrosive to our values.”

In his address at the 25th convocation of IIT Guwahati, Vice President Dhankar emphasized that Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are ‘essential in the government of the country’ and that it is the State’s responsibility to transform them into rules. He stated that many DPSPs, such as panchayats, cooperatives, and the Right to Education, had already been translated into legislation, and that it was now time to put Article 44 of the Constitution into action.

Uttarakhand UCC draft complete, likely template for central law

July 4, 2023, 10:23 am

Amid the raging debate over the implementation of the Uniform civil code in the country, it is learnt that the Uttarakhand Civil Code Draft will likely be the template for the Centre’s law, sources said. According to sources, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the UCC late Monday night in New Delhi. According to them, the meeting was also attended by the Chairperson of the Uttarakhand UCC Drafting Committee, Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. Dhami on Sunday said that soon the UCC expert committee examining the subject will submit the draft.
“As per the promise made to the state’s people, today on June 30, the committee formed to prepare the draft of the Uniform Civil Code has completed its work. Soon Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. Jai Hind, Jai Uttarakhand!” he tweeted earlier.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong endorsement of the UCC brought it back to the spotlight. PM Modi said that the country cannot run on two laws and that Uniform Civil Code was part of the Constitution.
The UCC calls for the formulation of one law for India, which would be applicable to all religious communities in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
“Today people are being instigated in the name of UCC. How can the country run on two (laws)? The Constitution also talks of equal rights…Supreme Court has also asked to implement UCC. These (Opposition) people are playing vote bank politics,” PM Modi had said.

Not right to forcefully implement UCC, says BSP chief Mayawati

July 2, 2023, 2:21 pm

Mayawati, the chief of the Bahujan Samaj Party, stated on Sunday that her party was not opposed to implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which she believed would “lead to communal harmony,” but she chastised the Bharatiya Janata Party for “politicizing” the matter.

“Our party (BSP) is not against the implementation of UCC but we do not support the way BJP is trying to implement Uniform Civil Code in the country. It is not right to politicize this issue and forcefully implement UCC in the country,” Mayawati said at a press conference.

“The UCC will not weaken the country but strengthen the country and it will also lead to communal harmony….but people having faith on various religions live in the country. They have separate practices and customs and it should not be overlooked,” Mayawati added.

She emphasized that the UCC should not be imposed by force and that there should be broad agreement on the issue.

Mayawati further claimed that the BJP was dredging up the topic to shift public attention away from critical issues and troubles that they were facing. “There should be no politics surrounding the UCC….”Article 44 of the Constitution clearly states that the state shall endeavor to secure for the citizens of the country a Uniform Civil Code,” she added.

Mayawati’s statement came only days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned for the UCC during a speech in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The UCC is a proposal to create and enforce personal laws for citizens that will apply to all Indians regardless of caste, religion, or sexual orientation.

BJP will not be allowed to divert attention from public issues, says Rahul Gandhi on price rise

June 28, 2023, 6:34 pm

The Congress party intensified its attack on the ruling BJP at the Centre on Wednesday, with senior leader Rahul Gandhi alleging that the BJP was busy increasing the wealth of capitalists. Gandhi stated that the poor want to eat while the middle class is struggling to save money by listing the prices of tomatoes, lentils, and cooking gas.

Rahul Gandhi took to his Twitter and wrote in Hindi that “Tomato: ₹140 per kg, Cauliflower: ₹80 per kg, Toor Dal: ₹148 per kg, Arhar Dal: ₹219 per kg and cooking gas cylinder above ₹1,100. The BJP government, which is busy in increasing the wealth of capitalists and collecting taxes from the public, has forgotten the poor and middle-class families.”

Gandhi added that “In the Congress-ruled states, we reduced the prices of gas to provide relief from inflation, put money in the accounts of the poor for financial assistance.”

He further added “Bharat Jodo Yatra is a pledge to remove hatred, remove inflation, unemployment and bring equality – BJP will not be allowed to divert attention from public issues.”

Prime Minister Modi made a strong case for the UCC on Tuesday, claiming that the Constitution also mentions equal rights for all citizens. Addressing a gathering of party workers in Bhopal, Modi also stated that the BJP has decided not to pursue appeasement and vote bank politics.

in his address PM Modi stated that “You tell me, in a home, how can there be one law for one member and another law for another member?”

“Will that home be able to function? Then how will the country be able to function with such a dual system? We have to remember that even in India’s Constitution, there is a mention of equal rights for all,” he said. “These people (opposition) level allegations against us but the reality is that they chant Musalman, Musalman. Had they really been (working) in the interests of Muslims, then Muslim families would not have been lagging in education and jobs,” he said.

SUPREME COURT DISMISSES PIL CHALLENGING COMMITTEES ON UCC IN GUJARAT AND UTTARAKHAND

January 9, 2023, 4:46 pm

“What is wrong with it? The constitution of such committees cannot be challenged as ultra vires before courts. Look at entry 5 of the concurrent list,”Chief Justice DY Chandrachud .

A bench comprising of Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice PS Narsimha dismissed the Public Interest Litigation challenging the constitution of the committees formed by Gujarat and Uttarakhand governments to introduce and implement the Uniform Civil Code in the states. The PIL filed by Anoop Baranwal was rejected citing that it lacked merit as the states had the right to form or constitute committees under Article 162 of the Indian Constitution. The court stated that Article 162 provides that executive power of states extends to what legislature permits it to do.

In October 2022, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi announced forming a committee for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting. In May 2022, the Uttarakhand government formed a committee to examine its implementation in the state. The Uniform Civil Code is a proposal in India to formulate and implement personal laws of citizens which apply to all citizens equally regardless of their religion, gender and sexual orientation.

Uttarakhand: People share opinions on UCC

December 4, 2022, 1:36 pm

People are expressing their views on Uniform Civil Code by putting forth their suggestions on the matter, a member of the UCC committee informed on Sunday.

The UCC member said, “When the committee went to the people to know their opinion on the UCC, people expressed their views on limiting family size, focusing on gender equality.”

He added, “Equal rights for the daughters in ancestral properties, and registration of live-in relationships have been suggested to the committee.”

But the state government’s UCC committee hasn’t yet provided the Uttarakhand government with its advice. According to the UCC member, they are still researching the public’s viewpoints.

He confirmed that only after considering people’s opinion the draft of UCC recommendations will be sent to the government.

According to sources, the Uttarakhand government has added six months to the mandate of its uniform civil code committee, which is led by Justice (retired) Ranjana Prakash Desai, a former judge of the Supreme Court.

The Committee was established to look at how the Uniform Civil Code could be implemented (UCC).

By May 27, 2023, the committee may deliver its report to the government.

Over 30 locations have been visited by the panel so far to collect suggestions from the public, and the committee has already received over 2.25 lakh suggestions.

The state of Uttarakhand’s administration announced its choice to adopt the Uniform Civil Code on May 27 of this year.

In order to develop a draught proposal for the implementation of the UCC, which broadly relates to the personal laws of citizens that apply to everyone regardless of their religion, gender, or sexual orientation, the State government established the five-member committee led by Desai.

Additionally on the panel are retired Justice Permod Kohli, Manu Gaur, a social activist, Shatrughan Singh, a former chief secretary, and Surekha Dangwal, vice chancellor of Doon University.

Uttarakhand: Tenure of Uniform Civil Code Committee extended

December 2, 2022, 12:27 pm

The Uttarakhand government has extended the mandate of its uniform civil code committee by six months, according to authorities on Friday.

The Committee was established to look into how the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) may be implemented, and its chair is former Supreme Court justice (retired) Ranjana Prakash Desai. By May 27, 2023, the committee may deliver its report to the government.

More than 30 locations have already been visited by the panel to collect proposals from the public. More than 2.25 lakh ideas have been submitted to the committee thus far.

The state of Uttarakhand’s administration announced its choice to adopt the Uniform Civil Code on May 27 of this year.

In order to create a draft proposal for the implementation of the UCC, which broadly relates to the personal laws of citizens that apply to everyone regardless of their religion, gender, or sexual orientation, the State government established the five-member team chaired by Desai.

Additionally on the panel are retired Justice Permod Kohli, Manu Gaur, a social activist, Shatrughan Singh, a former chief secretary, and Surekha Dangwal, vice chancellor of Doon University.

The expert committee’s inaugural meeting took place in July.

The state launched a webpage in September of this year to receive recommendations from the public regarding UCC. It is open to recommendations from public representatives, individuals, academics, organisations, and state agencies.

A plan to create and implement personal laws that apply to all Indian residents equally, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, is known as the “Uniform Civil Code.” Currently, the religious texts of different communities regulate their personal laws.

The law is covered by Article 44 of the Constitution, which states that the state must work to ensure that citizens have access to a uniform civil code across all of India.

Notably, the BJP pledged to implement UCC if it won the 2019 Lok Sabha election by making the commitment in its manifesto.

Ahead of elections, Gujarat creates panel to implement UCC

October 29, 2022, 5:05 pm

Bhupendra Patel, the chief minister of Gujarat, declared on Saturday that a committee would be formed to implement the Uniform Civil Code in the state before elections. Gujarat has now made the announcement, joining Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand as states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party.

“Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi & Union HM Amit Shah, CM Bhupendra Patel has taken a historic decision in the cabinet meeting today – of forming a committee for implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state”, Gujarat home minister Harsh Sanghavi said.

The UCC is a plan to create and enforce personal laws for citizens that will be applicable to every Indian regardless of caste, religion, or sexual orientation.

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s top election concern has been the Uniform Civil Code. In its 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign, the saffron party pledged that if elected to power, it would implement the UCC. The UCC has been dubbed “anti-minority” by its critics.