Country moving towards enacting uniform civil code in the country

A statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

New Delhi – Following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Bill in both Houses of Parliament, the Central Government appears to be taking initial steps toward the introduction of a Uniform Civil Code. This intent was underscored by a recent speech delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Haryana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that the Congress party has, in times of political crisis, undermined the Constitution. He emphasized that the true spirit of the Constitution advocates for a Uniform Civil Code applicable to all citizens, which he referred to as a “secular civil code.” He further stated that despite this constitutional vision, the Congress has never taken steps to implement it. Following the formation of a BJP-led government in Uttarakhand, a Uniform Civil Code was implemented with significant public attention and ceremony. Meanwhile, the Congress party, often seen as a strong advocate of constitutional values, has voiced opposition to the move.

The 22^nd Law Commission, headed by Justice (Retd) Rituraj Awasthi, had finalised the draft of the Uniform Civil Code and published it for public opinion. The Commission received an estimated 1 crore votes on it. The Law Commission had previously conducted consultations with around 30 organizations as part of its review process. However, progress on finalizing the draft was halted following the expiration of the Commission’s term. The Commission is now being reconstituted to resume work on advancing the proposed legislation. The notification of the 23^rd Law Commission was issued on 2 September 2024. Now, approximately 7 months later, a decision has been taken regarding the appointment of its Chairman and Members. Justice Dinesh Maheshwari, who retired from the Supreme Court in May 2023, will be made the chairman of the commission. He will be joined by eminent advocate Hitesh Jain and Professor D.P. Verma as full-time members. The notification of their appointment will be circulated this week.

Earlier, the BJP-led government in Uttarakhand implemented a Uniform Civil Code, making it the first Indian state to do so post-independence. While Goa also follows a form of uniform civil law, it is rooted in the Portuguese Civil Code, which has been in place since the colonial era.