Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
- UCC is a set of rules/regulations, which proposes to replace the personal laws based on the scriptures and customs of each major religious community in the country with a common set governing every citizen.
- Constitutional Provisions – Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a UCC for citizens throughout the territory of India.
- Associated Case – In 1986, the Supreme Court’s Shah Bano judgement for maintenance was considered as a first step towards UCC.
Positives of UCC
- Promote national unity
- Placing different personal laws under a common law makes governance easier.
- Promote gender justice.
- Fulfil the vision of constitution-makers to make governance and civil laws away from the religious sphere.
Drawbacks of UCC
- Diversity cannot be compromised for uniformity
- Violation of fundamental rights like Articles 25, 26, 29
- Perception of UCC as an encroachment on religious freedom is gaining momentum.