The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) stated that the Uniform Civil Code is unacceptable because it conflicts with Sharia law. The board argues that Indian Muslims have the right to practice laws based on their religion, as protected by the Shariat Application Act of 1937 and the Indian Constitution.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) declared on Saturday that it would oppose a uniform or secular civil code, arguing that it would be in direct conflict with Sharia law, which they are unwilling to compromise on.
In a press release, the AIMPLB criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s recent Independence Day speech, where he advocated for a Secular Civil Code and labelled religious personal laws as communal. The board condemned the Prime Minister’s statements, calling them highly objectionable.
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi remarked,
“A significant portion of society rightly believes that the current civil code essentially acts as a communal civil code. It perpetuates discrimination, divides the nation along religious lines, and promotes inequality.”
The AIMPLB reiterated its unwavering commitment to Sharia law, with spokesperson Dr. SQR Ilyas expressing surprise at the Prime Minister’s portrayal of religious-based personal laws, such as Sharia, as communal.
The board emphasized that Muslims in India have the right to follow laws in line with their religion, as guaranteed by the Shariat Application Act of 1937 and the Constitution of India. Article 25 of the Constitution provides citizens with the fundamental right to profess, practice, and propagate their religion, including adherence to its laws.
Dr. Ilyas also highlighted that the family laws of other communities in India are deeply rooted in their respective religious and cultural traditions. He argued that the push for a uniform civil code is a Western idea, ill-suited to India’s diverse traditions. He further noted that the directive principles, often cited as a foundation for a uniform civil code, are not legally enforceable provisions.
Dr. Ilyas also criticized the Prime Minister for using the term “secular civil code” instead of the constitutionally accurate “uniform civil code,” suggesting that this choice a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and specifically target Sharia law, without considering the broader impact on class, caste, and tribal communities in India.
In his statement, Dr. Ilyas urged citizens, especially on Independence Day,
“Remember the sacrifices of freedom fighters and their vision of a free, just, and peaceful India, rather than being influenced by the religious polarization he accused the Prime Minister of promoting.”
The board also expressed concerns that a uniform code would disregard the diverse cultural and religious traditions that exist across India, potentially marginalizing minority communities and undermining the pluralistic fabric of the nation.