Explained: What Is Uniform Civil Code; List Of Parties That Are Supporting, Opposing It

The Centre is expected to present the 'One Nation, One Election' Bill during the special session of Parliament scheduled from September 18 to 22. Additionally, the list of Bills likely to be introduced in the session includes the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and the women's reservation Bill.

However, the recent proposal for a Uniform Civil Code for all Indians has sparked widespread debate with the opposition questioning the government's intention to bring the controversial bill in the run-upto the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

UCC, which intends to have a common code of personal laws across all religions, has been BJP's key poll plank for over two decades.

While the majority of the opposition parties are against UCC, there have been voices in support of UCC as well and there are some undecided parties too.

As the debate over UCC rages on, here is a brief look at what UCC is and how different Opposition parties have reacted to it.

What is Uniform Civil Code?

A Uniform Civil Code is a constitutional mandate that aims to replace the personal laws of different religious communities with a common set of laws.

They cover areas like- Marriage, divorce, maintenance,inheritance, adoption, and succession of the property. It is based on the premise that there is no connection between religion and law in modern civilization.

For example, unlike Hindus, Muslim men could divorce their wives orally by saying 'talaq' thrice until 2017. The maintenance rights of women divorced through 'triple talaq' were also limited. Under Hindu personal laws, divorce cannot be given orally and women have broader alimony rights.

What is the origin of UCC?

The origin of the UCC dates back to the pre-independence era when the British government, in a report submitted in 1835, stressed on"the need for uniformity in the codification of Indian law relating to crimes, evidence, and contracts", and insisted that "personal laws of Hindus and Muslims be kept outside such codification."

Is UCC part of the Indian Constitution?

Yes, UCC comes under Article 44 of the Constitution, which lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India. It is defined to address the "discrimination against vulnerable groups and harmonise diverse cultural groups across the country".

Presently, different laws regulate these aspects in India for adherents of different religions, for example, Hindu Marriage Act, Hindu Succession Act, Indian Christian Marriages Act, Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act.

List Of Parties That Are Supporting, Opposing It

Congress

The principal Opposition party Congress has led the charge in the rejection of the UCC, calling it unnecessary and undesirable. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that UCC was"neither necessary nor desirable at this stage".

TMC

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has termed the uniform civil code (UCC) a serious threat to unity indiversity, multiculturalism and secularism.

NCP

The Nationalist Congress Party(NCP) has shown a neutral approach towards the proposed legislation.

RJD

The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has said that UCC was "actually neither desirable nor necessary" and added that it was being used "as an instrument for your dog-whistle politics".

Shinde Shiv Sena

The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has extended unconditional support to the Uniform Civil Code -- for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a strong pitch in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Uddhav Shiv Sena

Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) is also expected to back the central government's push for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). However, an official statement is awaited.

AIADMK

BJP ally AIADMK has urged the Centre not to bring any amendments to the constitution for a Uniform Civil Code UCC) that will adversely affect the religious rights of minorities of India.

AAP

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) backed the implementation of theUniform Civil Code (UCC) across the country but only after a wide consensus is built through consultation with all stakeholders.

BSP

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) clarified that it is not opposed to the idea of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) but did not endorse the way the BJP and its government "seek to implement it in the country". It should be implemented through consensus and awareness, the BSP chief said.

BRS

Chandrasekhar Rao-led Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has remained non-committal over the implementation of UCC.

The UCC has faced opposition from from minority groups and tribal communities, who fear that it will erode their identity and autonomy.