Thiruvananthapuram : One cannot be blamed for suspecting that a discussion on Uniform Civil Code at this juncture is meant to facilitate undermining of the country’s pluralism and impose majority dominance on the rest, said Chief Minster Pinarayi Vijayan. Read CM’s statement here:
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's Statement on Uniform Civil Code
The attempt to suddenly bring up a discussion surrounding the Uniform Civil Code is the BJP's political ploy before the imminent polls. Those who suspect that any discussion on it at present, is aimed at undermining the nation's plurality by imposing the dominance of the majority, cannot be faulted. This can only be seen as a plot to enforce their majoritarian agenda of 'one nation, one culture' by eliminating our nation's cultural diversity.
Rather than imposing a Uniform Civil Code, the focus should be on modernising and amending the discriminatory practices present in various personal laws. It is crucial that such efforts have the support of the followers of those different faiths. It is imperative that such efforts emerge on the basis of discussions in which all the concerned parties are engaged. Reform movements in the different religions have originated from within themselves. This is not an issue that can be resolved through a hasty executive decision.
In 2018, the previous Law Commission had opined that 'a Uniform Civil Code is neither necessary nor desirable at this stage'. Hence, proponents of the new move should first explain the circumstances that has necessitated a sudden deviation from that stance. India is distinguished by its diversity, which embraces differences and disagreements, rather than a uniformity that suppresses them. What is to be done, is to revise the various personal laws in tune with the times, rather than imposing uniformity with an ulterior motive.
The Union Government and the Law Commission should withdraw from their efforts to impose a Uniform Civil Code.
