Uniform Civil Code [UCC] in Bharat and its Implication

   Uniform Civil Code [UCC]  in Bharat and its Implication

The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) of Bharat, a proposed reform aimed at unifying personal laws governing various religious communities, has been a long-standing vision for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). With plans to implement the UCC in 2024, the BJP seeks to replace the diverse set of religious laws pertaining to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other personal matters with a single, secular set of laws applicable to all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations. 

The goal behind this initiative is to promote gender equality, social justice, and national integration, as it aims to bring about a more cohesive and unified legal framework for the diverse Bharatiya society. However, the implementation of the UCC remains a subject of significant debate and scrutiny, as it touches upon sensitive issues related to religious beliefs and practices. 

The BJP's push for the UCC reflects their commitment to a more progressive and inclusive Bharat, but it also poses challenges in balancing the principles of secularism with respecting the diversity of cultural and religious practices in the country.

Benefits of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Bharat:

1. Gender Equality: UCC aims to remove gender-based discrimination prevalent in personal laws of different religious communities, promoting equality and justice for all citizens.
2. National Integration: By unifying personal laws, UCC fosters a sense of unity and strengthens national integration by promoting a common set of values and principles.
3. Simplified Legal System: Replacing multiple personal laws with a single code would lead to a more straightforward and uniform legal system, making it easier for citizens to understand and navigate.
4. Secularism: UCC ensures that the state does not favor or discriminate against any particular religion, emphasizing the secular principles of the Bharatiya Constitution.

Issues with Uniform Civil Code:

1. Religious Sensitivities: Implementing a UCC might be met with resistance from religious communities who fear that their traditional practices and customs could be compromised or diluted.
2. Cultural Diversity: Bharat is a diverse nation with multiple cultures and traditions. A one-size-fits-all approach through UCC may not consider the unique aspects of each community.
3. Legal Complexity: The process of integrating different personal laws and traditions into a single code could be complex and challenging.
4. Political Opposition: The UCC remains a contentious issue, and some political parties may oppose it due to religious or cultural reasons.

Political Parties Opposing the Uniform Civil Code of Bharat:

1. All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB): AIMPLB represents the Muslim community in Bharat and opposes the UCC, fearing that it may infringe upon their religious and personal rights.
2. All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM): AIMIM is a party that primarily represents the Muslim community and has expressed reservations about the UCC.
3. Some regional parties and leftist groups: Certain regional parties and left-leaning groups also oppose the UCC, viewing it as an infringement on the autonomy of different communities.
4. A newly formed alliance of opposition parties, recently launched under the name I.N.D.I.A., consists of 26 members who are opposed to the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

It's important to note that the UCC has been a topic of debate for several decades, and the opposition to it is not limited to any specific political party or community. The implementation of the UCC requires a careful balancing act between the principles of secularism, cultural diversity, and the need for gender equality and social justice.

My intake on this:   The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) should be implemented without any fear, discrimination, or political advantage, and without any further delay. The primary reason behind the implementation of the UCC is to promote gender equality, particularly for women in our country. It will enable them to abide by the rules confidently and participate in the country's development. Currently, inequality persists due to religious aspects, where women are compelled to adhere to customs, limitations, and sometimes face forceful imposition or restrictions imposed by men.

When it comes to the cultural and legal aspects of different ethnic groups, there should be no favoritism, just like the implementation of the Bharatiya Penal Code (IPC) does not differentiate based on one's origin or beliefs. The law should always be enforced without any bias or emotion.

Regarding the political unrest among the opposition parties, a significant opposition could arise from the renamed Congress-led alliance, I.N.D.I.A. However, despite their artificial agreement in ideology, I believe that many members of the alliance might eventually join the BJP's side to extend their support for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

It is evident that political tensions are running high among the opposition parties, particularly with the emergence of the I.N.D.I.A   Alliance, given their alignment with the impeachment of a special section of the minority. As a result, I believe the magnitude of their unrest would be substantial. However, when considering the greater good of the nation and the significant relief and benefit the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) could bring to a large section of society, such agitations should be addressed rationally, devoid of emotions. The implementation of UCC stands to benefit a considerable number of women, and the government should prioritize their well-being, rather than delving deeply into the concerns of parties that focus solely on specific sections of society or their individual interests.

While they might resist the implementation of the UCC, it's essential to address their concerns and engage in constructive dialogue. As we seek support from various political factions, it is crucial to maintain transparency and respect differing viewpoints. Collaborating with those willing to join the cause can strengthen our position and ensure a more inclusive and effective implementation of the UCC. Our focus should be on promoting the benefits of the UCC, such as gender equality and national integration while addressing the legitimate apprehensions of opposing parties. With a united effort, we can pave the way for a more just and harmonious legal framework that resonates with the diverse cultural fabric of our nation.

Please provide your comments in the comment section below or leave a message with 'Yes - supporting UCC' or 'No - opposing UCC'. We will combine the mandate and forward the results to the UCC Implementation Committee.

Thanking you,  

Sincerely yours,

Baalwant Singh Raanaa

President - Parjakalyanm

parjakalyanm@gmail.com 

2nd August, 2023