Muslim League pens to law panel on Uniform Civil Code, says 'It will affect unity'

Kerala’s Indian Union Muslim League has written to the Law Commission on Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which will ensure a common law for all citizens of the country that is not based on religion, stating that it would affect India’s unity.

Indian Union Muslim League National General Secretary and Deputy Leader of Opposition, PK Kunhalikutty, in his letter to the Law Commission Chairman, mentioned that a Uniform Civil Code would destroy India's pluralism. The previous Law Commission report points out that the push for a Uniform Civil Code will affect the unity and integrity of the country and should not be implemented, he stated.

“The Constitution respects the individuality and faith of every citizen. Article 25 and Article 29(1) and Chapter XVI provide that these distinctions will be protected. Under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, special provisions are also made for the administration of tribal areas in states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram. All these



conditions are given to ensure that the central government does not encroach on the religious or cultural rights of these places,” wrote PK Kunhalikutty in his letter to the Law Commission.

He elaborated that Ambedkar explained that according to the Shariat Act of 1937, Sharia law applies to all those who have voluntarily declared that they can follow Sharia law and those who do not, can follow other laws. By that explanation, it is assumed that there will be no uniform civil code that would hinder those who want Sharia law, he stated.

“The country constitutionally protects the customs and personal laws of all religious and tribal groups. However, the Prime Minister has announced that this should be changed. This is against the very concept of the Constitution. Article 13 makes it clear that if a law is made in disregard of fundamental rights, it will not survive. If a uniform civil code is made against the provisions of Article 25, it will not survive under Article 13,” the letter read.