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The Law Commission of India has recently announced its intention to once again gather input from both the general public and religious entities concerning the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
As per an official communication made public through the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) website, it was divulged that the 21st Law Commission had previously undertaken an examination of the UCC. During its study, it sought feedback from various stakeholders by disseminating an appeal which included a questionnaire, initially on July 10, 2016, followed by additional public notices on March 19, March 27, and April 10 in 2018.
Now, the 22nd Law Commission, having taken cognizance of the ‘overwhelming responses’ that had been received during the earlier initiative, has resolved to renew its efforts in this direction.
In particular, it is again inviting thoughts and opinions from the public at large as well as from accredited religious bodies regarding the UCC.
This move signals the Law Commission’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and thorough consultation in contemplating the complex and multi-dimensional issues encompassed within the UCC.
In a parliamentary session earlier in February, Kiren Rijiju, who was serving as the Law Minister at the time, addressed the Rajya Sabha regarding the government’s stance on the enactment of the Uniform Civil Code in India.
Answering an inquiry concerning the government’s intentions to push forward the UCC bill, Rijiju indicated that the 22nd Law Commission could potentially be entrusted with evaluating the subject.
He was quoted saying that “the said matter may be taken up by the 22nd law commission for its consideration.”
Moreover, Rijiju highlighted the government’s earlier initiative where it had sought the expertise of the 21st Law Commission of India.
He informed that the government had “requested the 21st Law Commission of India to undertake an examination of various issues relating to UCC and to make recommendations.”
This response from the former Law Minister shed light on the government’s measured approach in dealing with the highly sensitive and debated topic of the Uniform Civil Code.
