New Delhi: The Law Commission of India has received over 46 lakh responses on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) since it initiated a public consultation process in June 2023. The responses have come from a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals, religious organizations, and legal experts.
The UCC is a proposal to replace the current personal laws of India with a single, uniform code that would apply to all citizens, regardless of their religion. The idea of a UCC has been debated in India for many years, and there is no consensus on whether or not it is a good idea.
Those who support the UCC argue that it would promote gender equality and social justice. They point out that the current personal laws discriminate against women in a number of ways, such as in matters of inheritance and divorce. They argue that a UCC would help to ensure that all women have equal rights under the law.
Those who oppose the UCC argue that it would violate the religious freedom of Indian citizens. They argue that the personal laws are an important part of religious identity, and that a UCC would force people to abandon their religious beliefs. They also argue that a UCC would be difficult to implement and enforce, and that it would create more problems than it solves.
The Law Commission is expected to submit its report on the UCC to the government in the coming months. The government will then decide whether or not to introduce a UCC in India.
The responses to the Law Commission’s consultation process have been mixed. Some people have welcomed the opportunity to express their views on the UCC, while others have criticized the process as being too rushed. The Law Commission has said that it will carefully consider all of the responses before making its recommendations.
The debate over the UCC is likely to continue for many years to come. It is a complex issue with no easy answers. However, the responses to the Law Commission’s consultation process have provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to share their views on this important issue.