New Delhi (Agency): Chhattisgarh Sarva Adivasi Samaj (CSAS), a collective of tribal groups in Chhattisgarh, has expressed concerns that the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) could threaten the survival of tribal communities. The tribal body asserts that the UCC, which aims to establish a common law for issues such as birth, marriage, and property rights, could undermine the unique customs and traditions that underpin tribal societies.
Arvind Netam, the president of CSAS and former Union minister, clarified at a press conference that while the organization does not entirely object to a unified civil law, they believe its implementation within a tribal society seems impracticable. He urged the Central government not to rush into introducing the UCC and instead advocate for a more inclusive approach, involving all relevant parties in the decision-making process.
Netam highlighted the tribals’ reliance on their own customary laws, particularly in areas like birth, divorce, inheritance, and property rights. These laws, he claimed, not only define the tribal communities’ distinct identity but also enjoy legal recognition under the Constitution. Thus, a uniform law could compromise these unique customs and, by extension, pose an existential threat to the tribals themselves.
The former Union minister provided instances where tribal customs diverge significantly from the mainstream society, such as a woman’s right to multiple marriages after leaving her current husband and the exclusion of women from inheriting ancestral land.
CSAS has submitted its opinions on the proposed UCC, keeping the tribals’ traditional laws in mind, in response to the Law Commission of India’s call for suggestions. Netam also added that CSAS is liaising with tribal groups across central India to voice a unified protest against any law that could threaten their traditions and customs.
