Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India]: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar defended the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) following the Uttarakhand Cabinet’s approval of its manual. Dhankar cited the directive principles of state policy enshrined in the Indian Constitution as the foundation for the initiative.
Addressing the event “Ideas for Building a Better Bharat” in Raipur, Dhankar praised Uttarakhand for taking the lead in moving towards UCC implementation.
“UCC, Uniform Civil Code, those of you who are aware of our Constitution, its directive principles. An obligation has been cast on governance to have a law to establish a Uniform Civil Code. One state, Uttarakhand, has done it. How can you object to something which is written in our Constitution, which is part of the directive principles of state policy?” Dhankar remarked.
He urged lawmakers to prioritize national objectives over electoral considerations.
“We cannot be influenced day in and day out only with the narrow considerations of voting patterns. The framers of the Constitution were wise and focused. They gave us certain fundamentals but they indicated as democracy matures and we progress, we must also realize for our people certain goals—one of them is the Uniform Civil Code,” he said.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami assured that the UCC implementation would be announced soon after the manual’s approval. The development drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, particularly AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who questioned the perceived inconsistency in its application.
Owaisi pointed out exemptions within the UCC framework, stating, “It can’t be called UCC when you are giving exceptions to Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, and it also won’t apply to Tribals. How is this a Uniform Civil Code? You are only stopping weddings and divorces of Muslims… You talk about the Uniform Civil Code, but if someone wants to convert from Hinduism to another religion, then the person has to get permission.”
The Uniform Civil Code seeks to establish a common set of personal laws applicable to all citizens, irrespective of religion, gender, or caste. It would encompass aspects such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and succession.
The initiative, while aligned with constitutional principles, has been a topic of significant debate. Proponents argue that it ensures equality and social justice, while critics caution against its potential to erode cultural and religious diversity.