Post By- Sakshi Srivastava

What Is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposed legal framework in India that aims to create a single set of personal laws governing matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance, which would apply to all citizens regardless of their caste, creed, religion or community. The UCC is rooted in the principles of equality, justice, and secularism, and its implementation is seen as a way to promote social harmony, gender equality, and national integration by eliminating disparate legal systems based on different religions and communities.

The UCC has been a part of the Indian Constitution since its inception, with Article 44 stating that the State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. However, being a Directive Principle of State Policy, it is not justiciable, meaning it is not enforceable by law.

Do Muslim Majority Nations Follow UCC?

UCC is a topic of debate and controversy in India, with several minority communities opposing it, arguing that it could scuttle the cultural fabric of the country and impinge upon the freedom of its citizens. However, several Muslim-majority countries have constitutional provisions or legal frameworks that emphasize equality and non-discrimination, providing a model for India to follow. For example, Indonesia has raised the legal age of marriage to 19 for both males and females, introduced stricter conditions for the practice of polygamy, and ensured gender equality in inheritance rights.

Tunisia has granted women greater rights and protections compared to traditional interpretations of Islamic law. These countries have reformed their personal laws to protect the rights of women in various aspects of family life. It is also followed in several countries, including the US, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Turkey, Egypt, and Ireland.

What Is The Current Status of UCC in India?

As of now, the UCC has not been implemented at the national level in India. Instead, personal laws govern matters related to family and personal life for different religious communities. However, there have been efforts made by the central government and some states towards the implementation of UCC. For instance, the Special Marriage Act, 1954, provides a secular alternative for marriages, and the Hindu Code Bills were introduced in the 1950s to bring uniformity in personal laws within the Hindu community.

Goa is the only state in India that currently has a UCC, known as the Goa Civil Code. This code has been in place since the state was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961. The debate around the UCC continues in India, with various opinions and concerns being raised about its potential impact on different religious communities and the federal structure of the country.

Goa Civil Code : The Goa Civil Code, also known as the Goa Family Law, is a unique legal system that governs the state of Goa and the Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli for over a century and a half. It is derived from the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, which was applicable during the Portuguese rule in the state.

The code is considered a Uniform Civil Code and has provisions that are progressive and gender-just and it has been a model for other states to emulate. The code ensures that the wife is an equal inheritor and has a right to the property acquired during the marriage. It is a testament to the fact that a Uniform Civil Code can be implemented in a diverse country like India, without infringing upon the cultural and religious rights of its citizens.

Proponents of UCC in India

Supporters of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and some other political parties. They aim to establish uniformity in laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption across the country.

Opponents of UCC in India

Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress, DMK, RJD, NCP, BSP, Samajwadi Party, JDS, Shiromani Akali Dal, Indian Union Muslim League, AIMIM, PDP, NDPP, and National Conference have expressed reservations or opposition to the implementation of the UCC.

Why is the implementation of UCC important in India?

The implementation of UCC is important in India for several reasons :

1. Fostering National Unity and Secularism: A UCC would help bridge the divide between different communities by eliminating religious distinctions in personal laws, thereby promoting a shared national identity and secular values.

2. Advancing Gender Equality: By abolishing discriminatory practices against women, such as polygamy and unequal inheritance, a UCC would ensure gender justice and equality, aligning with the principles of the Indian Constitution.

3. Simplifying the Legal Framework: Consolidating and harmonizing various personal laws into a single code would enhance legal clarity, ease of implementation, and reduce the burden on the judiciary, leading to a more efficient legal system.

4. Reducing Communal Politics: Implementing a UCC would help mitigate the influence of communal politics, which often exploits religious differences for political gain, and instead promote a more inclusive and secular political environment

5. Protecting Fundamental Rights: A UCC would ensure that all citizens are treated equally under the law, regardless of their religion, and that their fundamental rights are protected and upheld.

6. Addressing Inconsistencies in Personal Laws: By eliminating inconsistencies and contradictions in various personal laws, a UCC would ensure that all citizens are governed by a fair and uniform set of laws.

7. Promoting a Modern and Progressive Society: Implementing a UCC would signify India’s commitment to modernity, secularism, and the principles of equality and justice, moving away from a society divided by caste and religious politics.

8. Protecting Minority Rights: While ensuring that minority rights are protected, a UCC would promote national unity and secularism by ensuring that all citizens are governed by the same set of laws, regardless of their religion.

9. Addressing Misconceptions and Lack of Awareness: Public education and awareness programs can help dispel misconceptions and lack of awareness about the benefits and drawbacks of UCC, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the proposed code.

10. Enhancing Legal Coherence: A UCC would produce a more coherent legal system, reducing confusion and enabling easier and more efficient administration of laws by the judiciary.

In conclusion, the UCC is important in India for promoting equality, secularism, and national integration. It would impact various religious communities in India, including the Hindu community and the Muslim community. If a UCC is enforced, it would be able to fix the minimum legal age for marriage, abolish bigamy, and resolve issues around interfaith marriages. It would aim to provide equal status to all citizens, promote gender equality, and eliminate gender discrimination inherent in personal laws. The UCC would also promote legal uniformity, not enforcing cultural or religious conformity.