Former law minister Kapil Sibal has taken a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), asking how "uniform" is his proposal and does it cover Hindus, tribals and the northeast.
Addressing a gathering of BJP workers in Bhopal on Tuesday, Modi made a strong pitch for a UCC, saying the Constitution calls for equal rights for all citizens.
The prime minister also accused the opposition of using the UCC issue to mislead and provoke Muslims.
In a tweet on Wednesday, Sibal, a Rajya Sabha MP, said, "Prime Minister: Pushes for Uniform Civil Code, accuses Opposition of instigating Muslims. Questions: 1) Why now after 9 years? 2024? 2) How 'uniform' is your proposal: Covers : Hindus, Tribals, North-East, All? 3) Every day your Party targets Muslims. Why? Concerned now!"
Also Read: 'BJP hyping Uniform Civil Code issue to win Lok Sabha election': Congress leader
The Law Commission had, on June 14, invited views from all the stakeholders, including members of the public and recognised religious organisations, on the politically sensitive issue.
{{/usCountry}}The Law Commission had, on June 14, invited views from all the stakeholders, including members of the public and recognised religious organisations, on the politically sensitive issue.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, the 21st Law Commission, the term of which ended in August 2018, had examined the issue and solicited the views of all stakeholders on two occasions. Subsequently, a consultation paper on "Reforms of Family Law" was issued in 2018.
The 22nd Law Commission, which recently got a three-year extension, has now restarted the process and sought views from the stakeholders by July 13.
A UCC typically means a common law for all citizens of the country that is not based on religion. Personal laws and laws related to inheritance, adoption and succession are likely to be covered by a common code.