'Varied laws hamper nation's unity': Centre files its first affidavit on Uniform Civil Code in Supreme Court

New Delhi, Oct 19: Taking the first step towards bringing the Uniform Civil Code in the country, the central government filed its first affidavit in the Supreme Court and said that different religions following different laws affronting national unity.

In its affidavit, the government argued varied laws hamper national unity and the UCC divests personal law. According to the reports, six PILs were filed before the Supreme Court, four by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, one petition by Lubna Qureshi, and another petition filed by Doris Martin to seek the enactment of the law.

 

 

The PILs were filed to seek a direction to the central government to frame religion and gender-neutral uniform laws for divorce, adoption, guardianship, succession, inheritance, maintenance, marriage age, and alimony.

 

The top court had earlier sought a comprehensive response from the Centre on a batch of petitions on the Uniform Civil Code. At present, personal law is the set of laws that applies to people based on their faith and religion. Most religions have a different set of 'personal laws' and are governed by their respective scriptures.

 

Earlier the Supreme Court had asked the Centre to make its stand clear on the feasibility of implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country. The matter will be placed before the 22nd law panel.

 

The Uniform Civil Code comes under Article 44 of the Constitution. It proposes to introduce personal laws irrespective of religion, gender or caste. It governs personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption.