In the face of strong opposition to Uniform Civil Code by Muslim outfits, the Congress claimed its implementation would be impossible, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asserted that the move is aimed at moving towards a progressive society.
The debate gained renewed life after the Law Commission sought feedback on 7 October from public on whether the practice of triple talaq be abolished and whether a uniform civil code should be optional.
The All Indian Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and various other outfits today opposed the Law Commission's move and announced their boycott of the move, accusing the government of waging a "war" against the community.
While he is opposed to a Uniform Civil Code, AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi said on Thursday that his party would respond to the Law Commission's questionnaire on the issue unlike All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB). He said:
The Opposition parties opposed the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code saying it would kill the diversity of the country.
Reacting to the issue, former law minister and Congress leader Veerappa Moily said it would be difficult to implement UCC in a country like India where various communities and groups are governed by personal laws.
"In a country of this nature, implementation of Uniform Civil Code is next to impossible," he said, adding that no one should take it as a communal agenda or a ‘Hindu versus Muslim’ issue.
JD(U) MP Ali Anwar asked the government why it was only focusing on Muslims and said it is not the time to start such a debate. "They want to polarise the society."
BJP national secretary Sidharth Nath Singh said the Law Commission is taking opinions from all the stakeholders on the issue, following which it will form a "considered opinion" and give it to the Supreme Court.
Union Minister Arun Jaitley asserted that religion cannot dictate upon the rights of an individual and attacked the Congress over its stand on the Uniform Civil Code, saying that the Constitution ensures a dignified life to everyone.
Claiming that it was the Constituent Assembly controlled by the Congress that had envisaged a common civil law for all Indians, Jaitley said:
Calling the AIMPLB statement “shameful”, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Joint General Secretary Surendra Jain said the board has politicised a matter being heard by the Supreme Court.
Wading into the debate over Uniform Civil Code issue, the Shiv Sena claimed that the Muslim outfits are opposing the Law Commission only because India is a secular country.
Jain also slammed the "secular" parties for supporting its stand, alleging it has exposed their "anti-women and anti-Constitution" facet.
(Source: PTI)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)