MUMBAI — A delegation from Raza Academy met representatives of the Sikh organisation Shri Guru Singh Sahib at a gurdwara in Dadar on Sunday, November 8, to discuss concerns over the proposed Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and explore the possibility of joint action by religious communities.
The three-member delegation was led by Raza Academy chief Haji Muhammad Saeed Noori and included Muhammad Umar Raja and Muhammad Imtiaz. They met Balbir Singh, a member of the Sikh organisation, and his associates at the gurdwara office.
Discussions focused on the possible implications of implementing a common civil code, particularly concerns that it could affect religious and family matters governed by the traditions and personal laws of different communities.
During the meeting, Sikh representatives assured the delegation that they would participate in a joint meeting on the UCC if one was organised by Raza Academy and other organisations. They also expressed their willingness to extend their cooperation.
‘Not a New Issue’
Balbir Singh said the proposal for a Uniform Civil Code was not new and that similar attempts had been made in the past but had not succeeded.
Referring to the historical context, he also mentioned Mughal emperor Akbar’s Din-i-Ilahi. Singh emphasised that people belonging to every religion in India should have the right to live according to their faith, beliefs and religious teachings, adding that this right is guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.
Explaining Raza Academy’s position, Noori said every citizen had the right to religious freedom and to live according to their religious principles.
He called on representatives of different religious communities to discuss the issue collectively and raise their concerns through mutual consultation and unity.
Raza Academy has repeatedly argued that the implementation of the UCC could affect communities beyond Muslims and create difficulties in matters governed by their respective religious traditions. It has urged other communities to submit their views and suggestions to the government.
Muslim organisations opposing the proposal maintain that its implementation could interfere with Islamic personal law and have called on the government not to proceed with it.
