As several BJP-ruled states have expressed their intention to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in their respective states, the Congress said that even a “child knows” UCC can’t be implemented by states, but by law of Parliament.
“Even a child knows that states cannot implement it, it can be done by Parliament,” senior Congress leader P Chidambaram, who was in Gujarat to campaign for his party, said.
Several states, where the BJP is in power, have been pushing for the implementation of the UCC.
As per sources, the BJP government in poll-bound Gujarat is considering implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the state.
Taking a cue from the Uttarakhand government, the Bhupendra Patel-led government in Gujarat is planning to move a proposal to constitute a panel under a retired High Court judge, to evaluate all aspects of implementing the UCC.
The BJP-led Uttarakhand government in May this year set up a committee of experts headed by a retired Supreme Court judge to talk to all stakeholders and prepare a draft of a Uniform Civil Code.
The Centre had earlier filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court pushing for the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code in the country saying that different religions cannot follow different rules adding the power to make laws is exclusive to the legislature.
The UCC provides for the formulation of one law applicable to all religions in matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance and adoption. Article 44, which is part of the Directive Principles of State Policy of the Indian Constitution, says: “The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.”
Besides Uttarakhand and Gujarat, several other BJP-rules states, including Uttar Pradesh and Assam, pitched for the UCC.
The BJP, which is eyeing to change the trend of alternate governments in Himachal Pradesh in the upcoming polls, has promised the implementation UCC in the state if it comes to power.
