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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort, made a strong case for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in India, describing the current civil code as "communal" and advocating for a secular alternative.
"The Supreme Court has held discussions regarding the Uniform Civil Code again and again, it has given orders several times," PM Modi said.
He argued that the existing civil code is divisive, stating, "A large section of the country believes—and it is true—that the Civil Code that we are living with is actually a communal civil code in a way."
The Prime Minister said the people have lived with a communal civil code for 75 years now. He stressed the urgency of adopting a secular civil code to eliminate religious discrimination.
"I would say that it is the need of the hour that there be a Secular Civil Code in the country...only then would we be free of discrimination on the basis of religion," he said.
The Uniform Civil Code is a proposed set of laws intended to replace the diverse personal laws governing various communities in the country with a single set of laws applicable to all citizens, irrespective of their religion. The idea of UCC is to promote equality and non-discrimination by ensuring that all citizens are governed by the same set of laws in matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.
The Constitution, under Article 44, envisions the UCC as part of the Directive Principles of State Policy. It encourages the state to endeavour to secure for all citizens a uniform set of laws governing personal matters.
The Supreme Court of India has periodically reiterated the need for a UCC, citing its potential to promote national integration and equality. Despite this, implementation has been delayed due to political and social sensitivities.
Before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP, in its manifesto, pledged to implement UCC if it secures a third term in power. At present, Uttarakhand is the first and only state in India to have a UCC law.
