Congress adopts wait-and-watch approach as BJP pushes for Uniform Civil Code in 2024
New Delhi, July 02: The Congress party has reaffirmed its stance on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), stating that it is not desirable at the present stage. The party clarified that it will provide further comments if a draft bill or report on the issue is presented.
According to Congress sources, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Law and Justice, scheduled to meet on July 3 to review personal laws, has been provided with the 21st Law Commission's consultation paper titled 'Reform of Family Law.' The paper asserts that the formulation of a Uniform Civil Code is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage.
The 22nd Law Commission is yet to submit its report on Personal Laws (Uniform Civil Code), and the Congress party intends to wait for the views of the Law Commission and the Union Law Ministry on the matter.
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Sources reveal that no other report from the Law Commission or the Law Ministry regarding the Uniform Civil Code has been made available to the committee members.
To seek their perspectives on the 'Review of Personal Laws,' the committee has invited members from the Department of Legal Affairs, Legislative Department, and the Law Commission.
During a parliamentary strategy group meeting, the Congress leadership discussed various issues to be raised during the upcoming Monsoon session of Parliament, beginning on July 20.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh reiterated the party's stance, stating that they will participate and evaluate the proposed draft and discussion when they are available. Currently, the only available information is the law commission public notice for responses. Ramesh emphasized that nothing new has occurred to change their position.
The Uniform Civil Code aims to establish a common set of laws applicable to all Indian citizens, independent of religion, regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and other personal matters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently intensified discussions on the issue, advocating for a Universal Civil Code. He questioned the viability of having dual laws governing personal matters and accused the opposition of misleading and provoking the Muslim community using the UCC topic.
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- With inputs from agencies
