In a significant move, the 22nd Law Commission of India has called upon the public and religious organizations to submit their recommendations regarding the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) within the next 30 days. This call for suggestions aims to gather diverse perspectives and opinions on this sensitive and crucial matter.
It is noteworthy that the previous 21st Law Commission had already examined the subject of UCC and sought input from stakeholders through an appeal. In August 2018, the commission had also released a consultation paper titled “Reforms of Family Law.” Overwhelming responses were received in response to these initiatives.
Considering the passage of more than three years since the issuance of the consultation paper and the continued relevance and importance of the subject, the 22nd Law Commission believes it is necessary to reassess the topic. This decision also takes into account various court orders related to the UCC.
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Law Commission Opens Doors for Uniform Civil Code Recommendations
Individuals and organizations interested in sharing their views and suggestions regarding the UCC are encouraged to communicate with the commission through the email of the member-secretary or via its official website.
It is worth mentioning that the 21st Law Commission, under the leadership of former Supreme Court judge Justice B.S. Chauhan, had stated in August 2018 that the UCC was not necessary or desirable at that stage in the country. In a comprehensive 185-page consultation paper, the commission emphasized the importance of secularism and recognized the plurality prevalent in the country. It asserted that cultural diversity should not be compromised to the extent that the pursuit of uniformity becomes a threat to national unity.
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The commission further highlighted that a unified nation does not necessarily require complete uniformity and that efforts must be made to reconcile diversity with universal human rights. It emphasized that differences should not always be equated with discrimination in a robust democracy. However, the commission also suggested the need for certain measures regarding marriage and divorce that should be uniformly accepted in the personal laws of all religions.
With the 22nd Law Commission’s fresh call for recommendations, the discourse surrounding the Uniform Civil Code is expected to gain further momentum, providing an opportunity for diverse voices to contribute to this significant aspect of legal and social reform in India.
