UCC: A New Beginning for A New India - Sanjay Pasari

 

A significant step forward will be the country's adoption of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which will promote gender equality, social transformation, and secularism. Sanjay Pasari views UCC as a crucial component for gender equality and the empowerment of women, which will strengthen India's legal system and ensure equality for all.  

By July 13th, 2023, the Law Commission of India has asked stakeholders for their thoughts on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). A discussion between different parties has been sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's desire for a uniform code for all residents. The government must base legislation and regulations on the Directive Principles for State Policy, which are a component of Article 44 of the Constitution. However, there is no deadline or legal requirement for putting these ideas into practice. Additionally, the central government has not yet passed the "cow protection" law. 

The Constitution's tenet that every person is equal before the law serves as the foundation for the discussion surrounding the creation of a uniform civil code for all citizens in the nation. However, it has long been believed that there is a lack of uniformity in the personal laws governing various religious beliefs, such as those controlling adoption, inheritance, and marriage. As a result, there are now concerns about the wellbeing of many societal groups, including women and children. For instance, the Muslim culture has a discriminatory and abusive divorce practice known as "Halala," which mandates that former brides wed another man before wedding their first spouse. Triple talaq has been outlawed thanks to judicial intervention, support from the Central Government, and the abolition of the institution. 

What does the Uniform Civil Code Means? 

The misery of Muslim women in Muslim culture has considerably decreased after triple talaq was abolished, but gender equality is still an issue. Contrary to Muslim women, Hindu women do not have equal rights to inheritance or divorce. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which is in line with international organizations like the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, could enhance the rights and status of women. The UCC could also encourage a more tranquil and cohesive community and lessen prejudice against other religious beliefs, such as polygamy. Additionally, the Uniform Civil Code might lessen disagreements across religions and advance a more cohesive community. The Central Government's backing and judicial involvement led to the elimination of the triple talaq system, which was once unfair and exploitative. 

There may be various difficulties -

The country ought to have adopted a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) after gaining independence, but leaders refrained from doing so out of concern that extreme factions would oppose it. The Congress government overturned rulings that supported alimony for Muslim women, but the abolition of exploitative institutions like triple talaq received support from right-thinking individuals. Political parties, including Prime Minister Modi, might obstruct the implementation of the UCC by advocating minority's rights. The UCC Act must be vigorously implemented by the government and society since it advances social and gender equality, secularism, and women's rights.     

Conclusion- 

Thus, UCC objectives lies in creating equality for all, empowering gender equality and strengthening women empowerment. However, discussion is going on around it and the government is also seeking thoughts from all the stakeholders on the same. Looking at the objectives of UCC, it seems it might have a positive impact on society and the country’s legal system.