Law Minister Arjun Meghwal promises UCC implementation amidst public debate

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal assured on Tuesday that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented. He emphasized that the BJP is committed to making it happen by discussing it with its allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The UCC aims to unify personal laws across communities concerning marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

Government’s commitment and challenges

During an interview, Meghwal highlighted that the UCC is one of the top promises inherited by the BJP from its predecessor, the Jana Sangh. He noted that the party has already fulfilled two of these promises: the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

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The Law Commission is currently working on the UCC, and BJP-led states like Uttarakhand and Goa are taking steps in this direction. Uttarakhand plans to introduce the UCC by November, while Goa already has a similar code in place.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the UCC in his Independence Day speech, reflecting the government's intent to pursue it. However, the proposed law faces opposition from various NDA members such as JD(U), TDP, and LJP (Ram Vilas), who have either opposed or expressed caution about the UCC.

Unlike in its previous terms, the BJP does not have a single-party majority in the Lok Sabha during its third term, necessitating support from allies to pass major reforms. The government has already had to reverse certain policies, like the lateral entry system and the Waqf Amendment Bill, due to opposition from NDA constituents.