SSC Descriptive Writing Current Affairs SSC-CGL (TIER-III) - Uniform Civil Code

UNIFORM CIVIL CODE

Key Points:

What

• Definition
• History
• Compromise- dpsp-art-44

Why?

• Clear of contradictions
• Gender justice
• At odds with fundamental rights
• Create wide disparity in society

Why not?        

• Communal politics
• Fear among minorities
• Hamper secular fabric

Way forward

• Social change
• Have to came from people
• Gradual to be brought in steps

THE ESSAY BEGINS...

Uniform civil code, a common law for all citizens concerning marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance and maintenance, has been a matter of debate right from the time of the making of the Constitution. Its inclusion in the directive principles of state policy, as Art 44, was a compromise between the supporters and opponents. The matter has come back to discussions again with the Union government asking the Law commission to examine all matter related to it.

As a secular republic, India needs a common civil code, which is clear of contradictions. Religious laws as of now don't ensure gender justice, and are at odds with fundamental rights like art 14 and 19. The practices like triple talaq and polygamy and the divorce norms among Christians create wide disparity in society, creating the need for a common law.

The topic of uniform civil code is always raised in the context of communal politics, and creates fear in the minorities about their right to follow religious practices. It might hamper the secular fabric of the country since an ardent religious follower considers religious injunction to be superior to legal ones.

There will always be opposition when some sort of change is proposed, and the government shouldn't compromise with them. Still, this being a social change, this has to come from people, and shouldn't be forced by government. Instead of bringing it as a single law, it can be brought in steps. It is high time a decisive step was taken towards the implementation of Uniform civil code.