AIMPLB terms Uniform Civil Code as unconstitutional, anti-minorities move

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), on 26th April, took a dig at Uniform Civil Code by terming it as ‘an unconstitutional and anti-minorities move.’ AIMPLB also appealed to the Centre not to undertake the Uniform Civil Code.

Hazrat Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, who holds post of the General Secretary at AIMPLB, said in a press statement release that the Constitution of India has allowed every citizen of the country to lead a life according to his/her religion, and it has been included in the Fundamental Rights. Under this right various personal laws have been kept for minorities as well as tribal classes according to their traditions and wishes, which does not cause any harm to the country.

The Board also, in its statement said that it helps in maintaining mutual unity as well as mutual trust between majority and minority. The AIMPLB Board also pointed out that said that the rhetoric of the Uniform Civil Code by the Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh(UP) Government or the Central Government is nothing but an attempt to divert attention from issues including rising inflation, rising unemployment, falling economy, and to increase the agenda of hatred.

Notably, the Uttarakhand Chief Minister(CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami has said a “high-powered” expert committee would soon be formed to prepare a draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state. Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur, on Monday(25th April), also stated that the issue of implementation of the Uniform Civil Code is being examined in the state.

The UCC is a proposal in India to implement and formulate personal laws of citizens which apply to all Indian citizens equally regardless of their sex, gender, religion, and sexual orientation. At present, in India, the personal laws of various communities are governed by their religious books and scriptures.

The code comes under Article 44 of the Indian Constitution, which lays down that the state shall endeavor to secure a Uniform Civil Code/UCC for the citizens throughout the territory of India. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in its 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto, had also promised the implementation of UCC if it came to power again.