Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a prominent Congress leader, has asserted the importance of implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) at the national level. Speaking to reporters on July 12 in Murshidabad, West Bengal, he argued that the UCC should serve to protect the rights of all communities across India. Chowdhury highlighted that the proposed legislation focuses on civil matters such as marriage and succession.

During his address, Chowdhury expressed concerns that any efforts to implement the UCC at the state level could marginalise certain communities. He stated, “If UCC is to be implemented in the country, it should be from the central level; it should be national legislation.” According to him, a diverse nation like India, known for its unity in diversity, warrants careful consideration of all cultural and lifestyle differences in any civil law.

Chowdhury’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions regarding UCC, with certain states, specifically those governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), having already passed legislation pertaining to the code. He cautioned that the inconsistent application of laws across states may jeopardise the rights of minority communities.

Concerns Over State-Level Implementation

Chowdhury has previously questioned the rationale behind states enacting their own UCC laws, suggesting that it could lead to violation of rights for various communities. Presently, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam are the only states to have adopted UCC measures, all of which are under BJP governance. The UCC is designed to provide a legal framework encompassing issues related to marriage, inheritance, and property rights, yet it notably exempts Scheduled Tribes from its regulations.

He further stated, “This is a very old issue that laws are being made in BJP-ruled states to implement UCC. The possibility of rights violations for minorities in India is real.” Chowdhury’s remarks reflect a broader concern about how the implementation of the UCC may differ from state to state, thus impacting the rights of various groups.

In his appeal, Chowdhury emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to legislation that takes into account India’s diverse languages and cultures. He reiterated that any UCC should be executed while keeping all communities and their specific circumstances in mind.

West Bengal Government’s Initiative

The topic of UCC has gained traction following the West Bengal government’s recent establishment of a nine-member expert committee led by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai. This committee has been tasked with examining and finalising the draft of the Uniform Civil Code. The state administration intends to introduce this legislation during the upcoming Assembly session in August.

The proposal from the West Bengal government allegedly includes exemptions for indigenous communities. The committee’s composition features former judges, legal experts, bureaucrats, and representatives from various social sectors, who will thoroughly evaluate the proposed law and provide recommendations.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari previously announced that the draft UCC would be presented in the Assembly after the completion of all necessary formal procedures. Following the committee’s deliberations, recommendations will be submitted to the government, marking a significant step in the discourse surrounding UCC in India.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share