The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a highly debated issue in India since independence. It proposes to replace the personal laws based on religion with a common set of laws applicable to all citizens, irrespective of their religion, gender, or other identities. While proponents argue that the UCC would promote gender justice, secularism, and national integration, opponents contend that it would violate the right to religious freedom and cultural diversity. This paper examines the history, legal framework, and socio-political implications of the UCC in India.

Introduction:
India is a secular democracy where the Constitution guarantees the right to equality, freedom of religion, and cultural diversity. However, personal laws based on religion continue to govern matters related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, among others. These laws differ for Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis, and Jews, and are often discriminatory towards women and minorities. The UCC proposes to replace these personal laws with a common set of laws applicable to all citizens, irrespective of their religion, gender, or other identities.

History:
The idea of a UCC was first proposed by the Constituent Assembly in 1947, but it was not included in the Constitution due to opposition from religious groups. In the following decades, several committees and commissions, such as the Law Commission of India, the National Commission for Women, and the Justice Verma Committee, recommended the implementation of the UCC. However, successive governments have failed to enact it, citing political and religious sensitivities.

Legal framework:
The Constitution of India provides for the UCC in Article 44, which states that "The State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India." However, this is a Directive Principle of State Policy, which is non-justiciable and subject to limitations. The Supreme Court of India has also endorsed the UCC in several landmark judgments, such as the Shah Bano case (1985), which held that Muslim women are entitled to maintenance under the Indian law and not just under the Muslim Personal Law.

Socio-political implications:
The UCC has been a contentious issue in India, with various socio-political implications. Proponents argue that the UCC would promote gender justice, secularism, and national integration. It would eliminate the discriminatory provisions of personal laws and ensure equal rights to women and minorities. It would also strengthen the secular fabric of the nation by removing the religious divide in civil matters. Moreover, it would enhance the ease of doing business and simplify the legal system by providing a common framework for all citizens.

However, opponents contend that the UCC would violate the right to religious freedom and cultural diversity. They argue that personal laws are based on the religious beliefs and practices of different communities, and any attempt to impose a uniform code would be a threat to their identity and autonomy. They also fear that the UCC would be used to impose the dominant Hindu culture on minority communities and create social tensions. Moreover, they argue that the UCC is not necessary, as various reforms have already been made in personal laws, and any further changes should be made through dialogue and consensus-building.
Words from DR. Ambedkar about u.c.c[1]:

The father of Indian constitution Dr. Ambedkar speaking about Article.44 and it's calls uniform civil code, observed it is perfectly possible that the future parliament to implement may make a provision by way of making a beginning that the code shall apply only to those who make a declaration that they are prepared to bound by it, so that in the initial stage the application of the code may be purely voluntary DR. Ambedkar was clear in his feeling that the state had the power to legislate over the personal law but he also cautioned no govt can exercise it's power in such a manner as to provoke the Muslim community to rise in rebellion.

Cases related to UCC:
The Supreme court directed for the first time in parliament in the year 1985 to frame UCC. In the case of Mohammad Ahmed khan v. Shah Bano Begum [2] popularly known as the Shah Bano case.

• In this case, Shah Bano claimed for maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure after she was given triple talaq by him.
• However, government overturned the Shah Bano case decision by way of Muslim Women ( Right to Protection on Divorce ) Act, 1986 which curtailed the right of a Muslim woman for maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of criminal Procedure.
• The Supreme Court in Shayara Bano case (2017) had declared the practice of Triple Talaq (talaq -e-bidat) as unconstitutional.

Sarla Mudgal case.
One case law related to Uniform Civil Code is the "Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India" case, which was heard by the Supreme Court of India in 1995. In this case, the petitioner Sarla Mudgal filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a direction to the government to implement a uniform civil code for all citizens of India.

The main issue in this case was whether the absence of a uniform civil code violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India, particularly with respect to the right to equality before law and the right to practice one's religion.

The Supreme Court, in its judgment, held that the Constitution of India provides for a uniform civil code and that it is the duty of the state to secure its implementation. The court also observed that the absence of a uniform civil code leads to discrimination against women, particularly in matters of marriage, divorce, and inheritance.

The court directed the central government to take necessary steps towards implementing a uniform civil code, but the government has not yet taken any concrete steps in this regard. The case is significant as it highlights the need for a uniform civil code to promote gender equality and protect the fundamental rights of citizens.

John Vallamattom vs Union of India (2003): In this case, the Supreme Court held that Christian couples can seek divorce under the Indian Divorce Act, 1869, instead of the customary law that is followed by the Christian community. The Court observed that the concept of UCC has been debated for several years, but no action has been taken by the government.

Triple Talaq Case (2017): In this case, the Supreme Court declared the practice of instant triple talaq, whereby a Muslim man could divorce his wife by uttering the word "talaq" thrice, as unconstitutional. The Court held that the practice was against the principles of gender justice and equality. The case sparked a nationwide debate on the need for a Uniform Civil Code.

These cases reflect the ongoing debate in India on the need for a Uniform Civil Code. While some argue that the UCC will promote gender justice and equality, others contend that it will infringe on the rights of minority communities to practice their religion freely.

Debate related to Uniform Civil Code:
The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is a proposed set of laws that would replace personal laws governing issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption in India. The aim of the UCC is to provide a uniform set of laws for all citizens, irrespective of their religion, and to promote gender equality and social justice.

In recent years, there has been a renewed debate on the implementation of the UCC in India. One of the key voices in this debate is Ashwini Upadhyay, a lawyer and politician who has filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India seeking the implementation of the UCC.

Upadhyay argues that the UCC is necessary to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all citizens, and to promote national integration and communal harmony. He contends that the existence of separate personal laws based on religion has perpetuated inequalities and discriminations, particularly against women.

However, the implementation of the UCC is a contentious issue in India, with some arguing that it would be a threat to minority rights and cultural diversity. Others argue that the UCC should be implemented gradually, and in consultation with all stakeholders, to ensure that it does not infringe on anyone's rights.

Conclusion:
The UCC is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of legal, social, and political factors. While it has the potential to promote gender justice, secularism, and national integration, it also poses challenges to religious freedom and cultural diversity. Therefore, any attempt to implement the UCC should involve extensive consultation with all stakeholders, including religious groups, women's organizations, and legal experts.

Moreover, it should be implemented in a phased manner, with appropriate safeguards and provisions for transitional arrangements. The UCC should be seen as a means to strengthen the constitutional values of equality, freedom, and diversity, rather than a threat to them.

End-Notes:

1. https://www.legalservicesindia.com/article/1461/u.c.c-based-Indian-civil-code.html
2. https://www.drishtiias.com/to-the-points/Paper2/uniform-civil-code