Salman Khurshid Critiques Uniform Civil Code, Suggests It Should Be Called State Civil Code

Guwahati, October 2 (Daily Kiran) : Congress leader Salman Khurshid recently criticized the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in various states governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. Following the approval of the UCC bill by President Droupadi Murmu, Khurshid argued that the term ‘Uniform Civil Code’ is misleading. He proposed that it should instead be referred to as ‘State Civil Code‘.

The Gujarat Assembly passed the UCC bill in March, aiming to establish a uniform legal framework for personal civil matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, irrespective of religion.

Speaking in Guwahati, Khurshid questioned, “Where is the Uniform Civil Code? Each state has its own version of the UCC, so why call it UCC? It should be called ‘State Civil Code’.” He emphasized the discrepancies in the application of the code, noting that what is enforced in Assam is not the same as in other BJP-led states, including Gujarat. “Different codes are being created everywhere, yet they are all labeled UCC. How can different codes share the same name?” he added.

Khurshid also referenced several petitions filed in the Nainital High Court against the implementation of the UCC in Uttarakhand, stating that the court’s decision on the matter will be crucial.

In contrast, Indresh Kumar from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) highlighted the importance of the UCC for promoting religious harmony. He asserted that the UCC is a law that ensures the protection and respect of all religions. Kumar explained, “If there is tension between communities, like between Shia and Sunni Muslims, the law ensures they do not oppress each other but coexist peacefully.”

He further stated that the UCC provides similar protection and respect within Hinduism and other religions during times of tension. Addressing critics of the UCC, Kumar emphasized that it aims to safeguard all religions and their sects, preventing any form of oppression. He urged individuals to practice their faith without interfering in others’ religious matters while respecting all beliefs, reiterating that this is the core objective of the UCC.