‘Current civil code is discriminatory’: PM Modi bats for secular UCC in Independence Day speech
New Delhi, India
In his Independence Day speech to the nation on Thursday (Aug 15), Prime Minister Narendra Modi came out in full support of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). PM Modi said a secular UCC was the need of the hour as the current civil codes were ‘discriminatory’ and ‘communal’.
“The Supreme Court has repeatedly held discussions on uniform civil code, given orders, because a large section of the country feels, and rightly so, that the current civil code is a communal civil code, a discriminatory civil code,” said PM Modi.
“The Constitution tells us, the Supreme Court tells us to and it was the dream of the Constitution makers. So it is our duty to fulfill it.”
UCC is a comprehensive set of common laws for all religions governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, custody, alimony and others. It aims at ensuring equality among all religions.
Although the complete form of UCC is under debate, a fair idea finds a mention in the Indian Constitution. Article 44 mentions the “state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India”.
The Supreme Court of India has time and again nudged various governments to bring in the UCC, as it is a vociferous supporter of the same.
“There has been no attempt to frame a Uniform Civil Code applicable to all citizens of the country despite exhortations of this court in the case of Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano and Sarla Mudgal and Others vs Union of India and Others,” the apex court said in 2019.
Similarly, in November 2021, the Allahabad High Court highlighted that the UCC is mandatory.
(With inputs from agencies)