Devendra Kumar
The small northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, governed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party, has passed a bill to replace religion-specific civil laws with a Uniform Civil Code. This new code aims to provide a single set of laws for all Indians, regardless of their religion, and has been debated by the state’s legislature.
Despite opposition from many Muslims, who view it as a threat to their religion and centuries-old practices, the code has sailed through. The code envisions a single set of laws applying to all Indians, which would harmonize the current laws on marriage, inheritance, and other personal matters that differ by religion. For example, while polygamy is allowed under Muslim laws, it would be banned under the new code. The code also sets minimum ages for men and women to marry, prohibits marriages between close relatives, and grants equal inheritance rights to sons and daughters.
The provision regulating live-in relationships has been met with criticism from many quarters, who view it as government overreach and interference in personal lives. Under the new code, those who fail to inform the authorities within a month of entering such a relationship could face jail or fines. Many Muslims are opposed to the code, seeing it as a threat to their religious practices and way of life. They fear that the code will lead to erosion of their distinct religious identity and customs.
The introduction of the Uniform Civil Code is significant as it would provide a single set of laws for all Indians, regardless of their religion. This could lead to a more secular system and provide individuals with greater certainty and predictability in their personal and legal matters. The code is also seen as a step towards fulfilling the long-standing promise of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to introduce a Uniform Civil Code. Its introduction in Uttarakhand is seen as a boost to the party’s popularity among Hindus in the upcoming elections.
However, the code has been met with opposition from many Muslims who view it as a threat to their religion and way of life. They see it as an attempt by the government to impose a uniform and secular interpretation of personal laws, which would erase the diversity of religious practices in India. The opposition to the code has been vocal, with many Muslim organizations and individuals protesting against it. The effectiveness of the code will depend on its implementation and the extent to which it is seen as promoting harmony and equality among all Indians.