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Uniform Civil Code Bill
In a landmark move, the Uttarakhand legislative assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand, 2024 bill on Wednesday, marking the first instance of such legislation in independent India. Championed by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the bill aims to establish a common set of laws governing marriage, divorce, and succession in the state, ostensibly providing equal rights to all citizens. However, amidst the celebrations, concerns have been raised by legal experts and minority communities regarding the bill’s potential implications.
The bill, primarily derived from Hindu personal law, has sparked criticism for potentially erasing the distinct personal law practices of minority communities. Senior advocate Mohan Katarki pointed out that the attempt to impose Hindu practices on non-Hindus is evident, raising questions about the bill’s inclusivity.
A thorough analysis reveals that the provisions of the Uttarakhand code heavily resemble existing Hindu laws, such as the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and the Hindu Succession Act, 1956. While some argue that this alignment signifies a step towards uniformity, others criticize the bill for neglecting the legal customs of minority communities. The bill’s scant acknowledgment of Muslim personal law practices has drawn particular scrutiny, with concerns raised over its disproportionate impact on Islamic traditions.
Despite purported efforts to promote gender equality by abolishing practices deemed discriminatory, such as polygamy and unequal inheritance, critics argue that the bill fails to incorporate positive aspects of Muslim law, such as provisions for financial security for wives. Additionally, the bill’s silence on addressing patriarchal structures within Hindu Joint Families has been highlighted as a glaring omission.
Furthermore, the exclusion of tribal communities from the bill’s ambit has raised eyebrows, considering the significant autonomy and protection afforded to these communities under the Indian Constitution. Legal experts assert that the bill’s lack of inclusivity undermines its objective of establishing a truly uniform civil code.
In response to the criticisms, Ayushi Sharma of Vidhi, a legal policy think-tank, emphasized the importance of incorporating beneficial practices from all faiths to ensure inclusivity and justice within the legal framework.
As the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code bill awaits further scrutiny and implementation, it remains a subject of intense debate, reflecting the complex intersection of law, religion, and social justice in contemporary India.
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