On August 15, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort. Criticising the existing civil code as “communal,” Modi underscored the need for a secular legal framework that ensures equality for all citizens, irrespective of their religion.
In his address, PM Modi highlighted the limitations of the current civil code, stating, “The Civil Code that we are living with is actually a Communal Civil Code in a way. It is the need of the hour that there be a Secular Civil Code in the country… only then would we be free of the discrimination on the basis of religion.”
PM Modi further emphasised the importance of transitioning to a UCC, noting, “Supreme Court has held discussions regarding Uniform Civil Code again and again, it has given orders several times. A large section of the country believes – and it is true, that the Civil Code that we are living with is actually a Communal Civil Code in a way.”
The PM stressed the need for broad-based discussions on this issue, stating, “There must be widespread discussions, everyone should come forward with their opinions and laws that divide the country on religious lines must be done away with. They have no place in a modern society. Time demands a secular civil code. And then we will be free of religious discrimination.”
PM Modi on UCC in Past
Historically, Modi has consistently advocated for the UCC.
October 29, 2021: Speaking at the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters, he remarked, “The Uniform Civil Code is an important step towards ensuring equality before the law. It will ensure that every citizen, regardless of their religion, has the same legal rights and obligations.”
November 8, 2019: During a rally in Gujarat, he stated, “The need for a Uniform Civil Code has been discussed for decades. It is crucial for the unity and integrity of our nation. We must work towards a common set of laws that apply to everyone equally.”
February 20, 2018: In a parliamentary debate, he emphasised, “The Uniform Civil Code will remove legal inequalities and bring about a sense of justice and fairness. It is essential for ensuring that all citizens are treated equally under the law.”
These statements reflect PM Modi’s long-standing advocacy for a Uniform Civil Code, aiming to create a unified legal system that supports justice and equality across India. The BJP’s manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections has echoed this sentiment, advocating for a UCC as a national priority.
Several BJP-led state governments have also initiated moves towards implementing a uniform civil code, aligning with Modi’s vision for legal reform.
UCC in BJP-Ruled States
In November 2021, the Uttarakhand state government, under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, proposed a draft UCC aimed at replacing personal laws relating to marriage, divorce, and inheritance with a common set of laws applicable to all citizens. This draft seeks to address issues such as polygamy, interfaith marriages, and property rights uniformly.
Similarly, in August 2023, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur announced the intention to implement the UCC. The state government began consultations with legal experts and stakeholders to draft a UCC that would ensure equal rights and obligations for all citizens, regardless of their religion.
Assam has also shown interest in the UCC, particularly in response to concerns about demographic changes and communal tensions. Under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the state government proposed reviewing existing personal laws and considering a UCC to streamline legal processes and promote equality.
Although Gujarat has not yet enacted a UCC, the state government has been vocal about the need for such reforms to ensure legal equality and is expected to align with the central government’s policies in this regard.
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