From Our Bureau
NEW DELHI: Congress general secretary and communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh on Thursday claimed a desperation of the Modi government in a reference sengt to the 22nd Law Commission to review the Uniform Civil Code, while acknowledging that its predecessor, 21st Law Commission, had already published a consultation paper on the subject in August 2018.
“No reasons are given for why the subject is being revisited except for vague references to “the relevance and the importance of the subject and also the various court orders,” he said.
Jairam asserted that the real reason is that the 21 st Law Commission after carrying out a detailed and comprehensive review of the subject observed that it is “neither necessary nor desirable at this stage” to have a Uniform Civil Code.
“This latest attempt represents the Modi Government’s desperation for a legitimate justification of its continuing agenda of polarization and diversion from its glaring failures,” he said.
Quoting from 182-page report of the 21st commission, Jairam why the uniform code was rejected:
“While diversity of Indian culture can and should be celebrated, specific
groups, or weaker sections of society must not be dis-privileged in the
process. Resolution of this conflict does not mean abolition of all
differences. This Commission has therefore dealt with laws that are
discriminatory rather than providing a uniform civil code which is neither
necessary nor desirable at this stage. Most countries are now moving
towards recognition of difference and the mere existence of difference
does not imply discrimination, but is indicative of a robust democracy.”
The Law Commission has produced an enviable body of work over the
decades on numerous issues of national importance. It should be
mindful of that legacy and remember that the interests of the nation are
distinct from the political ambitions of the BJP,” Jairam added.
