Govt asks Law Commission to examine uniform civil code

Government has asked the Law Commission to examine the issue of implementing the Uniform Civil Code in the country. The code will mean a set of common civil laws for all citizens in place of multitude of personal laws for different religious groups. 

Talking to a private TV channel, Law Minister, Sadananda Gowda said there is need for wider consultation and in-depth study before its implementation and therefore his ministry has written to the Commission to look into it. 

He said after getting the report, the government will do a detailed study and then will take it further. He said there are thousands of personal laws in India and Centre wants to take in confidence all states and communities on the matter. 

Mr. Gowda mentioned that it is not an easy task and only after getting the Law Commission’s report, the government will be able to form its opinion about its



implementation.

The Uniform Civil Code has been a controversial issue and it was the part of BJP’s poll manifesto. The move assumes significance as the Supreme Court had recently said it will prefer to have a wider debate, in public as well as in court, before taking a decision on the constitutional validity of triple talaq.

Meanwhile, BJP has also called for an open debate over the code maintaining that it is a part of the Constitution. Party Secretary Shrikant Sharma said people who are opposed to it, are adopting intolerant approach towards the Constitution. He said parties have been doing vote bank politics over the issue.

On the other hand, Congress accused the BJP of doing politics over the issue. Party spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said whenever elections are round the corner, the BJP raises such issues. He however, favoured evolving a near consensus to arrive at any decision on the code.