Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, a directive principle of state policy, supports the UCC. Historically, personal matters have been governed by religion-based civil codes.
Rajasthan: Today (1st August): The BJP Government in Rajasthan is contemplating the introduction of a law to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which would establish a unified set of rules for personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and succession for all citizens. This move is inspired by Uttarakhand, which recently became the first state to pass such a law.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel stated in the state assembly on Thursday, in response to a question from lawmaker Kalicharan Saraf, that
“The government is currently considering the Uniform Civil Code. After a thorough review of all aspects, the bill will be introduced at the right time.”
Uttarakhand’s recent UCC legislation reflects a broader BJP agenda, with other BJP-ruled states like Assam also pledging to adopt the UCC. Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, a directive principle of state policy, supports the UCC. Historically, personal matters have been governed by religion-based civil codes.
Opposition Congress spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi described the UCC as a threat to India’s diverse culture.
He said,
“Various laws were created to accommodate the traditions of different groups, including tribal and minority communities. The UCC seeks to erase this diversity, which is unacceptable.”
Previously, the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly has passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), Uttarakhand, 2024 Bill, positioning the state as the first in post-Independence India to enact such a law. This groundbreaking development, pending approval from Governor Gurmit Singh, has sparked a wave of anticipation and debate across the nation.
Introduced by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the UCC Bill seeks to unify and standardize laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and property within Uttarakhand. The Bill’s passage was celebrated by the treasury benches with chants that highlighted its historic significance, reflecting a collective aspiration towards “One India, Great India,” a vision promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.