A joint statement released by protesting organisations accuses the government of endeavouring to deprive Muslims and tribals of their rights through the introduction of the UCC.
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – On the eve of the presentation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill in Uttarakhand Assembly, Muslim organisations registered their strong opposition to the legal provision. They have cited apprehensions of exclusion and discrimination as the bill was to be introduced on Tuesday.
A committee constituted by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recommended on May 27, 2022 a comprehensive ban on polygamy and child marriage, a uniform age of marriage for girls across religious lines, and standardised grounds and procedures for divorce. The proposed UCC aspires to establish a legal framework encompassing uniform marriage, divorce, land, property, and inheritance laws for all state citizens, irrespective of their religious affiliation.
At a press conference at the Jamia Masjid in Dehradun, Shahr Qazi Muhammad Ahmad Qasmi expressed grave concerns, asserting that the UCC dismisses objections from the Muslim community and neglects their suggestions. “We vehemently oppose the UCC and will combat this legislation within the bounds of constitutional norms,” he said.
President of Imam Tanzeem, Mufti Rais, underscored that the proposed bill contradicts Article 25, which safeguards freedom of religion. He emphasised the necessity for constitutional amendments preceding the UCC’s implementation to avert conflicts between the two laws.
Naeem Qureshi, president of Muslim Seva Sangathan, accentuated the absence of Muslim religious leaders in the bill’s drafting committee. He questioned the law’s validity, particularly given its predominant impact on the Muslim religion.
A joint statement released by protesting organisations accuses the government of endeavouring to deprive Muslims and tribals of their rights through the introduction of the UCC.
The Muslim community is poised to launch a sit-in at the assembly. Senior Supreme Court Advocate Mahmood Paracha and representatives from various institutions are anticipated to join the demonstration against what they perceive as a discriminatory and unconstitutional measure by the state government.
