NEW DELHI: It is the duty of the government to implement the uniform civil code , law minister Sadananda Gowda informed Rajya Sabha on Friday while responding to a written question.

The minister, however, reiterated that any decision will only be taken after wider consultation with various stakeholders. He elaborated that under Article 44 of the Directive Principles of the Constitution, implementation of the uniform civil code is “duty of the state.”

“In view of the importance of the subject matter and sensitivity involved, wider consultation with stakeholders would be required for taking further steps in this regard. Presently, the matter is being examined by the government,” Gowda said.

The Supreme Court had earlier this month said that the initiative to implement the code rested with Parliament and not the judiciary.

In a written response on the same issue in Lok Sabha on December 3, Gowda had said that government has received representations from various quarters supporting implementation of a uniform civil code, but keeping in mind the sensitivities involved, wider consultations would be required before taking further steps.

Recently, Gowda had told reporters that a uniform civil code is necessary for national integration but any decision to bring it can be taken only after more discussions. Gowda had said “wider consultations” will be held with various personal law boards and other stakeholders to evolve a consensus and the process may take some time.