Uniform Civil Code will have adverse impact on minority, tribal groups, says Shiromani Akali Dal

SAD is a former ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which runs the government in the Centre, and is proposing the implementation of the UCC. SAD severed ties with the saffron party in 2021 over the now repealed three farm laws.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Wednesday opposed the preparation of the Uniform Civil Code as its implementation would have an adverse impact on minority and tribal communities.

In a statement here, SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said the SAD has always opposed the preparation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and would submit its reservations on this issue to the 22nd Law Commission as well as in parliament.

In a statement here, SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema said the SAD has always opposed the preparation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and would submit its reservations on this issue to the 22nd Law Commission as well as in parliament.

SAD is a former ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which runs the government in the Centre, and is proposing the implementation of the UCC. SAD severed ties with the saffron party in 2021 over the now repealed three farm laws.

Cheema said his party believes that civil laws in the country were influenced by faith, belief, caste and customs and were different for different religions. “These should be retained in the interest of safeguarding the social fabric as well as the concept of unity in diversity,” he suggested.

“We must take into account the fact that the Constitution makers did not give UCC the status of fundamental rights. It was kept in the concurrent list and is part of the Directive Principles of state policy. Changing this status is not desirable as it will cause friction in society,” he said, adding, “If any particular personal law is discriminatory, it could be amended but forming a UCC for the entire country is not advisable.”

Calling for wider consultation on the issue, Cheema said this should have been done before introducing a private member bill in this regard in the Rajya Sabha.

Criticises AAP for supporting UCC

SAD also criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for extending its support to the UCC, saying this had exposed its anti-minorities face.

“AAP and its convener Arvind Kejriwal promised ‘badlav’ in Punjab, but are now openly supporting an issue which will cause strife in civil society”, Cheema added.

Delhi unit of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) head Paramjit Singh Sarna also denounced the AAP decision to lend support to the proposed UCC.

“This move by AAP is an evidence of its ultra-majoritarian ideology, and raises serious concerns about the future of India’s diversity and pluralism,” Sarna said.