The Gujarat Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill has received support from Yamuna Pathak, the National Woman President of Vishva Hindu Raksha Parishad. She articulated that a modern democracy cannot function effectively with varying legal standards dependent solely on religious affiliations. Pathak described the UCC as a reflection of a constitutional vision that aims to uphold equality before the law, ensuring that all citizens are treated equitably rather than uniformly.

In her conversation with ANI in Hyderabad, Pathak stated her support for the UCC, which was passed by the Gujarat Assembly. She referenced Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which directs the state to ensure equal civil laws for all citizens, emphasising that this does not constitute an imposition but a necessary legal framework for justice.

Pathak further highlighted that Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination. She argued that having distinct legal standards for different religions undermines these fundamental rights, thereby strengthening her case for the UCC.

Potential Impact of the UCC Legislation

Yamuna Pathak asserted that the proposed UCC would enhance justice by standardising civil rights across all communities. She explained that issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption should be governed by principles of fairness, devoid of religious partitions. This standardisation is intended to reduce bias and create a more equitable legal landscape for all citizens.

According to Pathak, legal uniformity is not only a step towards justice but also contributes to national unity. By establishing a shared framework of civil rights, the UCC fosters integration while still allowing space for individual cultural and religious practices. She noted the importance of ensuring that legal reforms do not detract from cultural freedoms but rather enhance societal bonding.

Reflecting on India’s legal evolution, she pointed out that the country has a rich tradition of social reforms, evidenced by significant changes in laws, including those abolishing untouchability and reforming personal laws. These reforms, she argues, highlight the transformative power of progressive legal change in strengthening societal cohesion.

Opposition to the UCC Bill

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) recently voiced strong opposition to the UCC Bill. They characterised it as constitutionally flawed and inconsistent with religious freedoms and civil liberties. This opposition underscores a significant point of contention surrounding the implementation of uniform civil laws across diverse religious communities in India.

The Gujarat State Assembly, which recently passed the UCC Bill, has subsequently become the second state in India to do so, following Uttarakhand. This initiative is aimed at enhancing legal protection and equality for women across various communities, addressing critical issues such as marriage, divorce, live-in relationships, maintenance, and inheritance.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel noted that the passage of the bill aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India). He asserted that implementing equal laws is essential for the nation’s unity and development, a sentiment that supports Pathak’s advocacy for the UCC.

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