The Law Minister highlighted the government’s dedication to implementing the ‘One Nation, One Poll’ initiative, aiming to synchronize elections across the country. This move is intended to streamline the electoral process, reduce costs, and enhance governance efficiency. Additionally, the government is focused on introducing a Uniform Civil Code, which seeks to create a common set of laws applicable to all citizens, irrespective of religion.
New Delhi: Shortly after taking on the role of the Minister of Law and Justice on Tuesday, Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the concept of ‘one nation, one poll’ a part of the government’s agenda. However, he refrained from providing a specific timeline for their implementation.
These two initiatives were part of the Bharatiya Janata Party‘s (BJP) election promises. The party’s loss of majority in the Lok Sabha and its subsequent reliance on allies like the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Janata Dal (United) have led to speculation about whether the Modi government would be willing and capable of pushing these initiatives forward.
Regarding ‘one nation, one poll,’ Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated,
“The report has been submitted and we will look into it. It is very much part of the government’s agenda.”
On the subject of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the minister was less forthcoming but emphasized that it remains a key component of the BJP’s election manifesto. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s directives, Meghwal approved the National Litigation Policy (NLP) on his first day in office, aiming to reduce the backlog of cases.
The policy will now proceed to the cabinet for approval. Meghwal highlighted that the NLP will promote ease of living for citizens and involve all stakeholders, including lawyers, litigants, and the government.
He added,
“We have to develop a culture of ease of living, as envisaged by the Prime Minister,”
The policy has been under development for at least fifteen years. Initially proposed by the UPA government to address the long-standing backlog of court cases, the initiative advanced by the NDA government, which established broad guidelines to reduce pendency.
The policy mandates that all governments, both central and state, incorporate arbitration and mediation clauses in contracts. Recognizing the government as the largest litigant in the country, a target was set for all departments to reduce the number of cases and include this goal in their performance framework.
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The policy also calls for meetings between secretaries of respective departments at both central and state levels to review its implementation. Law departments are required to hold periodic meetings with nodal officers to eliminate non-essential cases within set timelines. Additionally, cases that can be resolved through a grievance redressal mechanism should be withdrawn.
Meghwal emphasized that one of the government’s top priorities is to provide ease of living and reduce the backlog of cases across all courts.