Daily News Analysis

Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

stylish_lining

Why in the News?

Prime Minister's recent Independence Day speech emphasized the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), advocating for a secular civil framework over the current religion-based personal laws.

About Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

  • Definition: UCC refers to a unified set of personal laws applicable to all citizens, regardless of religion, governing matters such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, inheritance, adoption, and succession.
  • Current Status:
  • Most personal matters in India are governed by respective religious laws.
  • Goa has a form of a common civil code under the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867, while Uttarakhand adopted UCC in 2024.
  • The 21st Law Commission of India (2018) suggested reforms in family laws rather than an immediate formulation of UCC.

Need for UCC in India

  • Constitutional Duty: Article 44 mandates the state to secure a UCC for all citizens, promoting gender justice, national integration, and equality before the law.
  • Modernizing Laws: Current laws dividing citizens based on religion must be abolished to facilitate societal progress (e.g., polygamy in Muslim law).
  • International Obligations: Aligning with human rights conventions, UCC can strengthen India’s commitment to international norms.
  • Simplification of Laws: A standardized legal framework would ensure efficient dispute resolution.
  • Adapting to Contemporary Society: UCC would promote inclusivity and individual freedoms, aligning laws with modern values.

Supreme Court Judgments on UCC

  • Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum (1985): Advocated for gender justice and uniformity in personal laws.
  • Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India (1995): Called for reforming personal laws to prevent misuse.
  • Shayra Bano v. Union of India (2017): Declared talaq-e-biddat as arbitrary, reinforcing the need for reform.

Issues Associated with Implementing UCC

  • Cultural Diversity: UCC could undermine cultural and religious identities, potentially violating Article 25 (freedom of religion).
  • Lack of Consensus: Implementing UCC without community agreement could lead to social unrest.
  • Federalism Concerns: Critics argue that UCC could infringe upon states' legislative powers, undermining cooperative federalism.

Way Forward for Implementing UCC in India

  • Consensus Building: Engage various stakeholders through inter-faith dialogues to prevent social discord.
  • Socio-economic Impact Analysis: Consider the effects on marginalized communities, incorporating protective provisions.
  • Education and Awareness: Promote understanding of UCC’s principles to foster a progressive outlook.
  • Codification of Personal Laws: Establish universal principles through codification to ensure fairness and consistency in legal matters.

2025 SCO Summit in Tianjin

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China in 2025 brought together the heads of state of member countries to address a broad spectrum of issues, including secu
Share It

India’s Carbon Emissions Trading System

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has made a significant stride in India’s climate strategy by setting up the National Designated Authority (NDA) to implement a
Share It

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 was introduced in the Lok Sabha to amend various provisions across several central acts with the goal of decriminalizing offences and promoting
Share It

Fair and Representative Global Order

India’s External Affairs Minister recently called for a fair and representative global order during the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival. The statement highlights the growing need for reforms
Share It

India's First EMI-Based Credit Card

Recently, Unity Small Finance Bank and BharatPe launched India's first EMI-driven credit card on the RuPay network. This innovative product allows users to pay for their purchases in full or c
Share It

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)

Why in News? Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have gained prominence for their vital role in promoting collective action, protecting rights, and filling gaps in governance. They serve as cata
Share It

Supreme Court (SC) on Social Media Influencers

The Supreme Court (SC) has recently weighed in on the issue of social media influencers making derogatory remarks, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between free speech and the dignity of v
Share It

Mitochondrial Protein Import

Recent research from Caltech University has revealed new insights into the mechanisms of mitochondrial protein import, challenging the traditional understanding and offering a more complex view of
Share It

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

On August 29, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the nomination of two new members to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the re-nomination of three existing members fo
Share It

Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)

Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have made significant strides in deepening their economic partnership, with the recent signing of the Terms of Refer
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS