Debate on Uniform Civil Code in India– Uniform Civil Code means single law applies to every citizen. In the Uniform civil code, citizens are given equal treatment regardless of their status in society. Article 44 of the Indian Constitution defines the Uniform civil code and Article 44 is a Direct Principles of State Policy. The Uniform Civil Code makes marriage, divorce, succession, inheritance, adoption and other family matters the same for all religions.
Article 44 of the Constitution of India
Article 44 of the Constitution of India deals with the uniform civil code. It provides that The state will strive to provide citizens with a UCC throughout India.
Debate on Uniform Civil Code in India
Points in favour of UCC in India
1) India is a diverse country. There are many religions, customs, practices in India.
If the Uniform Civil Code is implemented in India,
it can be used for the unification of India and the UCC will work to keep India united.
2) The Uniform Civil Code will give equal treatment to all citizens before the law. The laws of marriage, adoption, inheritance and family matters will also be the same for every Indian.
3) UCC will further strengthen the position of women in India and give them equal treatment as men and will be used for their advancement.
4) Some of the existing personal laws are human rights violators.
With the advent of the Uniform Civil Code, these things will be curtailed and the human rights of the citizens will be protected.
5) According to Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution, citizens are given religious freedom. However, the Uniform Civil Code does not curb any of their religious freedoms. And the Uniform Civil Code does not oppose secularism.
6) In Indian politics, political parties use vote bank politics to their advantage. For this, they also try to create divisions in society. Uniform civil code will reduce vote bank politics. And it will help in maintaining the integrity of India.
Points in against of Uniform Civil Code in India
1) Uniform civil code can violate the rights of minorities in India and weaken the idea of unity in India’s diversity.
2) Some personal laws which come from religious belief, therefore, removal of them may threaten religious freedom in India.
GOA AND Uniform Civil Code
In India, only Goa has a Uniform Civil Code in the form of Common Family Law. The Portuguese Civil Code, which was in force when Goa was ruled by the Portuguese, is still in force after independence. Every person in the state of Goa is given equal rights. Also, registration of birth, marriage and death are compulsory.
