New Delhi: Amid chaos and ruckus by the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, the Uniform Civil Code bill was presented in the Rajya Sabha today. BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena moved for leave to introduce the Bill to provide for the constitution of the national inspection and investigation committee for preparation of a Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout India.
However, Opposition members from the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress protested against the introduction of the Bill saying it will “destroy” the social fabric and unity in diversity that is prevalent in the country.
After stiff opposition, Union Minister Piyush Goyal argued that it is the legitimate right of a member to raise an issue which is under directive principles of the constitution. “Let this subject be debated in the House…at this stage to cast aspersions on the government, to try to criticise the Bill, is uncalled-for,” he said.
With the Opposition members seeking withdrawal of the Bill, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called for division and the motion for the introduction of the Bill was passed with 63 votes in favour and 23 against it.
‘It’s unconstitutional’: Samajwadi Party MP
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav said, “Opposition in Rajya Sabha today strongly opposed the Uniform Civil Code in India Bill, 2020, it’s unconstitutional. The educational, cultural, religious rights of minorities come under fundamental rights as per Constitution.”
He added, “The introduction of UCC bill can create unrest. If Centre wants to divide the nation, then they can bring this bill.”
All about Uniform Civil Code Bill
The Uniform Civil Code comes under Article 44 of the Constitution. It proposes to introduce personal laws irrespective of religion, gender or caste. It governs personal matters like marriage, divorce and adoption.
What would Uniform Civil Code Bill mean
The implementation of Uniform Civil Code would bring in a common law for all citizens irrespective of religion, gender or caste. Contrary to this, personal law is often not uniformly applied across courts and regions.
