The debate over the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) has taken centre stage in Indian politics, sparking conversations on the country’s legal, social, and cultural future. The UCC seeks to unify personal laws related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, replacing the existing religious-based laws. Proponents argue that a Uniform Civil Code is essential for achieving gender equality and advancing secularism by creating a common legal framework for all citizens, irrespective of their religion. Supporters emphasise that the current system, where personal laws differ based on religion, leads to discrimination—especially against women in matters like inheritance and divorce. A unified code, they argue, would protect women’s rights and ensure equal treatment under the law. Moreover, many see it as a necessary step in modernising India’s legal framework, aligning it with the vision of a truly secular democracy. However, the proposed reform has also met with strong opposition. Critics, particularly from minority communities, fear that the UCC could erode religious freedoms and impose a uniformity that disregards India’s rich diversity. The debate has thus evolved into a complex tug-of-war between individual rights, collective identity, and constitutional secularism. The Indian Constitution itself recognises the need for a Uniform Civil Code under Article 44, yet the sensitive nature of religious laws has kept it on the backburner for decades. As the discussion heats up again, the UCC raises pressing questions about minority rights and whether legal uniformity can coexist with cultural diversity in a pluralistic society like India.
With political, social, and legal implications, the UCC debate is set to remain one of the most crucial and divisive issues in contemporary India.
Author: Ms. Hiya Sharma, student Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations