A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will affect the unity and harmony of the country and deprive citizens of the privileges provided to them by personal laws, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said on Sunday, as it passed a resolution against its implementation.
UCC refers to a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance and succession for all citizens of the country. Some states have already announced the setting up of a committee to study the modalities of implementing UCC.
At a meeting of its members in Lucknow, the Muslim board also passed a resolution against razing of people’s properties and appealed to the “highest authorities” to place stringent measures to curb “hatred being spread” in the country.
In the resolution against UCC, AIMPLB general secretary Khalid Saifullah Rahmani said: “The interference in matters of personal law was also discussed. The members were of the opinion that UCC would deprive citizens of the privileges provided to them by personal laws and that is against the spirit of the Constitution.”
He added: “Such a code is neither relevant nor beneficial for a multi-religious, multicultural and multilingual country like India. If, taking advantage of its majority in Parliament, the ruling government passes and puts into effect the UCC it will affect the unity and harmony of the country.”
Reacting to the resolution, BJP spokesperson Harish Srivastava said: “The BJP’s views on the subject are well known. Under the leadership of PM Modi at the Centre and CM Yogi in UP, the BJP will always take steps that are needed for the country.”
The Uttarakhand government on May 27 last year formed a five-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai to prepare a draft for implementation of UCC in the state. Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jairam Thakur also announced last year that UCC would be brought into the state soon.
In October 2022, the Gujarat government announced the setting up of a committee to study the modalities of implementing UCC.
In March 2022, the Supreme Court sought the Union government’s comprehensive response to PILs filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, demanding religion-neutral laws to regulate matters of divorce, adoption, guardianship, succession and inheritance.
The board’s meeting, which was presided over by Maulana Rabey Hasan Nadwi at Darul Uloom Nadwat-ul-Ulama, also discussed the demolition of houses – a reference to bulldozing of alleged illegal properties of those named in various cases in few states.
“Lawlessness will lead to anarchy. It is mandatory for all to follow the rule of law and not take it in their hands. Unfortunately, lawlessness is prevailing in the country and attempts are made to implicate the accused even before the prosecution and litigation take their course. Houses built for decades are getting razed. Those holding peaceful demonstrations are framed under the most stringent of laws and put behind the bars indefinitely. Lawlessness, whether on the part of the citizens or the rulers, is condemnable and all citizens and stakeholders must oppose it,” the resolution against the demolition of houses said.
Without mentioning the Gyanvapi mosque and Mathura temple rows, the board asked the government to respect the Places of Worship Act 1991. It said it was in the nation’s interest to enforce it strictly or it could lead to endless differences among various religious groups.
On the Waqf property issue, the board said: “It is unlawful for any citizen or government to grab waqf properties. The AIMPLB strongly opposes statements by some public representatives instigating action to deprive Muslims of their waqf properties and appeals to the government to beware of such actions.”
The AIMPLB urged the judiciary to take a serious note of “injustice” being meted out to the weaker sections and the minorities. “Judiciary is the last hope for the public. No bigger misfortune can there be than disappointment on this front,” it said.
