UNIFORM CIVIL CODE IN INDIA: A PATH TO UNITY

Article 44 of the Directive Principles of State Policy states:

"The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India."

This provision in the Constitution of India aims to establish a common set of laws for personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance for all citizens, regardless of their religion.

The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly emphasized the importance of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and urged the government to take steps towards its implementation.

Despite this, the UCC faces challenges due to diverse religious practices, political considerations, and societal resistance. The ultimate goal of the UCC is to ensure that all citizens are governed by the same set of civil laws, promoting equality and secularism in personal matters.

India's secular nature means its citizens are identified as Indians, not by their religion. Therefore, a UCC is necessary to foster national unity.

It is true that religious irreconcilability, including divergent sects within the same religion, create divisions and conflicts, and claims that our religion is the best than others religion led to an "Us vs Them" mentality, hindering dialogue and cooperation.

Indian history is replete with conflicts fueled by religious differences.

Being Indian fosters a sense of shared identity and belonging among people divided by religion, ethnicity, or culture. It unites people around common goals and aspirations, such as economic development and national security. This collective purpose creates a strong sense of community and solidarity.

National pride and civic engagement increase when individuals take pride in their country's achievements and work towards its betterment. Inclusive Indianness promotes the integration of diverse groups into a single Indian national identity, encouraging unity over division and ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens of India.

Historically, Muslim invaders forcibly converted Hindus to Islam by the sword, creating a legacy of fear and conflict. Beliefs like Jihad and Gazwah-e-Hind have also perpetuated hatred.

Since the Quran cannot be altered, Islams incompatibility with other religions stays. Therefore, the Islamic scholars need to reinterpret these beliefs and Sharia to ensure camaraderie and for the collective good of all.

Let us not forget

The partition of India in 1947, which created Pakistan, was driven by Muslim demands for a separate Muslim nation. Today, India's Muslim population exceeds that of Pakistan, posing a challenge for national unity and territorial integrity.

Foreseeing the arising of such eventualities.

The founding fathers of the Indian Constitution did not originally emphasize secularism. It was introduced much later, as part of a strategy by certain groups to further their agendas. This alteration was done with such boldness that it even led to non-permittable changes in the preamble of the Indian Constitution.

Keeping in view the foregoing facts:

A Uniform Civil Code is essential to prevent further divide and divisions.

Muslims and Hindus in India have coexisted for nearly a millennium, demonstrating a model of collective living and social harmony. We must, therefore, protect this social harmony from nefarious forces, and work together to accept a Uniform Civil Code.

This will unite and strengthen India for all its citizens, regardless of their creed.

 source: Creative Awareness Trust (CAT)