Uniform Civil Code Bill introduced in Parliament amid uproar by the Opposition; Details inside-
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New Delhi, Dec 9: Opposition parties unleashed chaos in the Rajya Sabha on Friday as BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena moved to introduce a private member's Bill on the Uniform Civil Code. The Opposition members opposed the move and sought a vote on the proposed Bill.
Notably, a private members bill is introduced by a legislator, meaning it has not been tabled on behalf of the Executive. This Bill seeks to provide for a panel to prepare a Uniform Civil Code. Besides, the UCC intends to govern the citizens of the country, irrespective of their communities, with a common set of statutes on matters ranging from marriage, adoption, inheritance, succession to divorce.
The Bill will provide for the constitution of the national inspection and investigation committee for preparation of a Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout India and for matters connected therewith during the private member's business.
However, Opposition parties like members from the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), Trinamool Congress and protested against the introduction of the Bill saying it will "destroy" the social fabric and unity in diversity that is prevalent in the country.
Three motions were placed to oppose the Bill, stating that it would disintegrate the country and hurt its diverse culture, but were defeated through votes by 63-23.
After stiff opposition from several parties, Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that it is the legitimate right of a member to raise an issue which is under directive principles of the constitution. "Let this subject be debated in the House...at this stage to cast aspersions on the government, to try to criticise the Bill, is uncalled-for," he said.
The Opposition argued that a Bill with such wide ramifications on people's lives cannot be introduced without wide public consultation with various communities. CPI(M) MP John Brittas referred to a Law Commission report, which said a Uniform Civil Code is neither necessary nor desirable. DMK's Tiruchi Siva said the very idea of Uniform Civil Code is opposed to secularism.
Samajwadi Party's RG Verma also opposed the bill, saying it's opposed to provisions of the Constitution. BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav gave a Zero Hour Notice in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the implementation of the Uniform Civil code in the country.
In the past, although the Bill was listed for introduction, it was not moved to the Upper House. On other hand, the BJP had promised in its Gujarat manifesto to introduce the Uniform Civil Code in the state, and the Bill was introduced in the upper house just a day after their historic win in PM Modi's home state. The BJP had in its 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto also promised the implementation of UCC if it came to power.
Bharati Web
Mes, Pune
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