This is the first time the government has officially written to the Law Commission to examine the controversial issue. (PHOTO:REUTERS)

In what may polarize voters ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections due next year, the Modi government has set in motion the BJP's promise of unifying the country's personal laws.

In its manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha vote, the saffron party pledged to bring in the controversial uniform civil code.In what may polarize voters ahead of Uttar Pradesh elections due next year, the Modi government has set in motion the BJP's promise of unifying the country's personal laws.

In its manifesto for the 2014 Lok Sabha vote, the saffron party pledged to bring in the controversial uniform civil code.

Last month, the law ministry wrote to the law commission to "examine the matters in relation to (the) uniform civil code and submit a report thereon." The note, signed by ministry under-secretary Unni Krishnan T, was issued on Jun 1."It is requested that the (law) commission may examine the matter in-depth and submit its report to the government," read the note, accessed by India Today.



PROMOTES GENDER INEQUALITY?

The proposed legislation is aimed at replacing personal laws of various communities on marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption and maintenance.The BJP, which has long been a proponent of the uniform civil code, blames them for gender inequality.

In 1985, a major controversy erupted when then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi rushed a bill through parliament to restore Muslim law after the supreme court ordered the ex-husband of a divorced woman, Shah Bano, to pay alimony to her.

CONGRESS CAUTIOUS

Muslim personal laws, on the other hand, stipulate that divorced women could either take financial support from their parental family or from the community.Gandhi's move angered a large section of Hindus and feminists. This time, Congress adopted a cautious stance while reacting to the Modi government's pitch for the uniform civil code.

The party, which is passing through one of its worst phases in its political history, welcomed the centre's step but with a rider: wide-ranging consultations on the touchy issue. "It is a welcome step but there should be discussion on all aspects of the uniform civil code," said party leader Sandeep Dikshit. He though accepted many countries have successfully unified their personal laws.

DE-LINKING RELIGION

"Yes it's true that the civil code gets into private space of individuals. So, there should be wide consultation," he added. "All laws should be seen through a progressive prism and in a civil way. Religion should be delinked from laws there should be a secular approach. ...But it is also true that many people view laws from religion so consultation should be there," Dikshit said.

The CPI also urged discussions but said gender equality should not be compromised. "It's a debatable issue and lets all discuss it. But priority should be given to women. Their welfare should be kept in mind by all religions and people," CPI leader D. Raja remarked.

Meantime, Law Minister Sadanand Gowda agreed that consultation with all stakeholders would be carried out before introducing the uniform civil code. He recounted that questions about its implementation had been raised in parliament many times in the past.



Also Read: All you need to know about Uniform Civil Code

