Referring to his recent Independence Day address, Mr. Modi emphasized the judiciary’s clear stance on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), framing it as an issue of national unity. He contended that India was currently following a “communal civil code” that discriminated based on religion.
During the concluding ceremony of the Rajasthan High Court’s platinum jubilee celebrations in Jodhpur on August 25, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated his support for a “secular civil code.”
He noted that while his government had only recently vocalized the issue, the judiciary had been advocating it for decades. Praising the courts for their vigilance on national matters, he highlighted their role in fulfilling their “moral responsibility.”
“As we strive toward the vision of a developed India, ensuring simple, easy, and accessible justice for all is crucial,”
said Prime Minister Modi.
He pointed out that while justice is inherently straightforward, the process can sometimes complicate it.
“It is our shared responsibility to make justice as clear and simple as possible. I’m pleased that the nation has taken many historic and decisive actions in this regard,”
he added.
Modi also emphasized that with growing ambitions and aspirations of the people, it is essential to modernize the system.
“Innovation and modernization are just as important in ensuring justice for everyone,”
he remarked.
The Prime Minister further acknowledged the Indian judiciary’s consistent role in remaining vigilant and proactive on national matters.
“The constitutional integration of the country, as seen in the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, and the example of humanitarian law, such as the Citizenship Amendment Act, are clear illustrations. The courts have made it evident what natural justice demands in the national interest,”
he said.
Referring to his recent Independence Day address, Mr. Modi emphasized the judiciary’s clear stance on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), framing it as an issue of national unity. He contended that India was currently following a “communal civil code” that discriminated based on religion.
Mr. Modi’s remarks reflected his push for the controversial UCC, which is mentioned under Article 44 of the Constitution as a non-justiciable Directive Principle of State Policy. While the Supreme Court has historically viewed the UCC as desirable, it has advised caution regarding its immediate implementation, recognizing potential risks to national unity.
Mr. Modi also lauded court decisions such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), describing them as vital steps toward “constitutional integration” and “humanitarian law.”
He acknowledged that numerous petitions challenging the CAA were pending before the Supreme Court but noted the Court’s decision not to stay the law’s implementation.
Modi further highlighted that both the High Courts and the Supreme Court have repeatedly reinforced the principle of “Nation First” through their decisions. He pointed out that a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court had upheld the Government’s abrogation of Article 370, removing Jammu & Kashmir’s special status.
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Meanwhile, despite over 200 petitions challenging the legality of the CAA pending in the Supreme Court since December 2019, the Court declined to stay the law’s implementation as of March 19 this year.
The Prime Minister further discussed the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code, stating that it would free India from a “colonial mindset” and shift the focus toward justice over punishment.
He also emphasized his government’s efforts to repeal outdated colonial laws and promote modern technology to enhance justice delivery, including the computerization of over 18,000 courts and the introduction of virtual hearings.
All of this would give way to paperless courts, e-filing, electronic summons service and the facilities for virtual hearing, he added.
Attendees at the event included Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Supreme Court Judge Sanjiv Khanna, and Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava.
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