Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Praising the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand, Shatrughan Sinha, TMC MP and veteran Bollywood actor of yesteryears, emphasised the need for an all-party discussion before implementing it at the national level.
Sinha called the implementation of UCC in Uttarakhand a “commendable” step but cautioned that its nationwide enforcement presents challenges.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament on Wednesday, Sinha highlighted the complexities of enforcing a uniform law across a diverse country like India. He pointed out regional variations in food laws as an example, questioning how uniformity can be achieved when restrictions on certain foods differ across states, media reports said.
Acclaiming the beef ban in parts of the country, Sinha was quoted by The Observer Post as saying: “I believe not just beef, but all non-vegetarian food should be banned”. But he highlighted the inconsistencies found in policy enforcement and stressed the case of Northeast India where beef is eaten and is still legal. “Wahan khao toh yummy, par humare North India mein khao toh mummy,’ Sinha was quoted as saying.
However, he underlined the need for a uniform policy towards beef and other foods.
“The UCC must not be seen as an election or vote-bank strategy. It should be drafted carefully with inputs from all sections of society,” he asserted, urging the government to ensure a consensus-driven approach.
On January 27, Uttarakhand became the first state to implement the UCC.
Following Uttarakhand’s lead, the Gujarat government is now considering implementing a similar UCC, further advancing one of the BJP’s long-standing commitments.
According to media reports, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has said that a five-member committee, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, has been formed to draft and legislate the UCC.
The committee will submit its report to the court, based on which the state government will make a decision within 45 days.
As the debate over national UCC implementation gains momentum, Sinha’s remarks highlight the importance of addressing regional sensitivities and ensuring that the law is implemented fairly and inclusively.
