New Delhi (Agency): On July 20, the BJP government stated that the Law Commission initiated new discussions about the uniform civil code (UCC) due to the topic’s “relevance and importance,” as well as numerous court orders on the subject.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal explained in a written response to the Rajya Sabha, that the 21st Law Commission released a consultation paper titled “Reform of Family Law” back in August 2018. However, no report was submitted on the topic.
Considering that more than four years had passed since the release of that paper, the current (22nd) Law Commission decided to ask the public and religious organizations for their opinions on June 14, 2023. This decision was influenced by the subject’s significance and the many court orders regarding the UCC.
In answer to a different question about the UCC’s modalities, Meghwal stated that because the law panel is currently engaged in consultations, discussions of modalities are not appropriate at this stage.
Last week, the law panel extended the deadline for the public to submit their opinions on the UCC to July 28. This extension was due to an overwhelming response and numerous requests for more time to provide suggestions.
On June 14, the Law Commission began new consultations on the UCC, asking stakeholders, including the public and recognized religious organizations, for their views on this politically charged issue.
The previous (21st) Law Commission, which ended its term in August 2018, had examined the subject and requested the views of all stakeholders on two occasions. A consultation paper titled “Reforms of Family Law” was then issued.
This new round of consultations has been defended by representatives of the law panel. They explained that the previous commission’s suggestions, made in 2018, and the end of its term necessitated a new consultation, which is essentially “informational.”
In its 2018 paper, the former Law Commission, led by Justice B S Chauhan, stated that while India’s cultural diversity should be celebrated, no specific groups or weaker sections of society should be “disprivileged” in the process. It emphasized reforming discriminatory laws rather than implementing a UCC, which they described as “neither necessary nor desirable at this stage”.
In essence, the UCC would create a common law for all Indian citizens, regardless of religion. It would likely cover personal laws and those related to inheritance, adoption, and succession. The BJP party, currently in power, has included the implementation of this common code in its election promises.
The state of Uttarakhand is planning to implement its own UCC in the near future.
