What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?

Uniform Civil Code is actually based on the idea of one country one law. Under the UCC, the same law is to be applied to all religions and communities of the country. In Uniform Civil Code i.e. Uniform Civil Code, uniform law is to be made for all regarding the acquisition and operation of property, marriage, divorce and adoption etc.

Why Uniform Civil Code (UCC)? Why was there a need for a Uniform Civil Code?

According to the Indian Constitution, India is a secular country, in which followers of all religions and sects (such as Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, etc.) have the right to make laws related to their respective religions. According to Shatrughan Sonwal, Advocate, Allahabad High Court, “There are two types of personal law in India.

The first is the Hindu Marriage Act 1956; Which applies to Hindu, Sikh, Jain and other sects. Second, the Muslim Personal Law is applicable to those who follow the Muslim religion. In such a situation, while the Hindu Marriage Act 1956 made under the provisions of the Indian Constitution is applicable for all other religions and sects except Muslims, then there is talk of implementing the same law for the Muslim religion as well.

What is the stand of the government on this?

• The BJP government has been advocating for a Uniform Civil Code. The BJP believes that gender equality cannot come until a Uniform Civil Code is adopted.

• While addressing the BJP workers in Bhopal, Prime Minister Modi had said, 'Nowadays instigation is being done in the name of Uniform Code. If there is one rule for one member of the family, another rule for the other, will he be able to walk home? So how will the country be able to run with such a dual system?

• The 22nd Law Commission is responsible for making laws regarding the Uniform Civil Code. Suggestions are being sought on this. Not only this, there are also reports that the government may bring a bill related to this in the monsoon session.

What will change with UCC?

• Personal matters of Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists are governed by the Hindu Marriage Act. Muslims, Christians and Parsis have separate personal laws.

• In such a situation, if the Uniform Civil Code is implemented, then the existing laws of all religions will be repealed. All religions will then have one law on matters relating to marriage, divorce, adoption, succession and property.

 What will be the effect of UCC?

Marriage: Only one marriage is allowed in Hindu-Sikh-Christian-Buddhist-Parsi and Jainism. Second marriage can be done only when the first wife or husband is divorced. But among Muslims, men are allowed to marry four times. Polygamy will be banned when UCC comes.

Divorce: There are different rules regarding divorce in many religions including Hinduism. There are different grounds for getting a divorce. To get a divorce, Hindus have to live separately for 6 months and Christians for two years. But there is a different rule of divorce among Muslims. All this will end when UCC comes.

 Adoption rights: The personal laws of some religions prevent women from adopting a child. For example, Muslim women cannot adopt a child. But a Hindu woman can adopt a child. With the coming of UCC, all women will get the right to adopt a child.