Implementation of the Uniform Civil Code raises concerns over religious and cultural impacts for both communities
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Uttarakhand becomes the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a move that has sparked significant debate. Hailed by some for promoting uniformity across communities, the law is facing strong opposition from Muslims, who argue that it infringes on their personal laws. However, experts are now warning that the UCC may not only harm Muslims but also have far-reaching consequences for Hindus as well.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has touted the law as a historic step, claiming it would bring uniformity to laws regarding marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, particularly for Muslims. However, concerns about its impact on Hindu practices have begun to surface, with experts claiming the changes could lead to significant losses for both communities.
Saryu Thomas, a professor at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru, explained that the UCC could lead to the dissolution of the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) system, which has been a cornerstone of Hindu family law. Speaking to BBC Hindi, Thomas said, “With the coming of UCC, the Hindu Undivided Family will end.” She highlighted that this would have a detrimental effect on taxation as the HUF is currently treated as a separate unit for tax purposes, allowing families to enjoy exemptions.
Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), echoed these concerns, accusing the government of introducing the UCC without considering its broader implications. “Will the Hindu Undivided Family be ended after the coming of UCC?” Owaisi asked during an interview, noting that the country faces a loss of more than Rs 3,000 crore annually due to the HUF system.
Saryu Thomas also warned that the UCC could lead to the erosion of various customs and practices central to Hindu society, particularly in regions such as South India, where inter-family marriages are more common. “In South India, marriages can take place between relatives. But UCC ends all these customs,” she said, suggesting that the uniformity imposed by the code could disrupt age-old traditions.
The implications of the UCC are also being felt among tribal communities. Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel voiced his concerns, stressing that the implementation of such a code could undermine the rights and customs of indigenous groups. “Why do you (BJP) always think in terms of Hindus and Muslims? There are tribals in Chhattisgarh. Their rules are according to their customs and traditions. They follow them. If we implement the Uniform Civil Code, what will happen to the customs and traditions of our tribals?” Baghel questioned, highlighting that tribal customs are distinct and should not be subsumed under a uniform law.
While the UCC may aim to promote equality, it has instead sparked division, with critics arguing that it undermines the diversity of Indian society. As Uttarakhand becomes the first state to implement the code, the fallout may reach far beyond its borders, challenging the personal rights of both Muslims and Hindus, while also threatening the cultural integrity of India’s many indigenous communities.
The debate on UCC remains unresolved, with religious, legal, and cultural experts urging the government to consider its far-reaching consequences carefully. As the country moves toward greater uniformity, it faces the complex task of balancing the traditions and customs of its diverse communities.
