BJP continues to pitch for Uniform Civil Code ( UCC) and union home minister Amit Shah while unveiling the party manifesto promised implementation of UCC in the state and categorically pointed out that tribals will not be included in it.

The party has been pitching for it since long and in the runup to the Loksabha polls of 2024, it had promised to implement UCC, In Karnataka assembly election too, party had pledged its support towards UCC.

What is UCC?

As per the Uniform Civil Code ( UCC) bill 2019, ) "Uniform Civil Code" means the common civil code or common law for every citizen residing in India irrespective of religion and caste.

The bill elaborated that “ Under the Uniform Civil Code a collection of laws will be prepared which will protect the personal rights of all citizens without considering the religion, which seems to be the need of the hour. In reality this is the foundation stone of the secularism. Such progressive reforms will not only help to end discrimination against women but also help in strengthening the secular structure and encourage integrity. In fact, our social system is replete with injustice, discrimination and corruption and are in conflict with our fundamental rights, hence it needs to be reformed.”

PM Modi during his I-day speech from the ramparts of the Red fort mentioned that “after 75 years of a Communal Civil Code, it is crucial to move towards a Secular Civil Code.”

Uttarakhand became the first state to bring bill of UCC

In Feb 2024, Uttarakhand became the first state to table the UCC bill in the state after Pushkar Dhami government introduced the bill in the state assembly. The bill was later given approval by the President in March 2024.

Many other BJP rules states including Gujarat & Assam, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh have spoken in Favour of UCC.

Before Uttarakhand, Goa had its own UCC.

Goa has it’s own version of UCC which earlier followed Portuguese Civil Code 1867. However , after it’s liberation in 1961, the law was governed under Goa, Daman and Diu Administration Act, 1962.

How about Rajasthan ?

After the BJP government was formed in the state, A few months back , in August this year, Law minister Jogaram Patel while replying to a question asked by BJP MLA Kalicharan Saraf, announced on the floor of the house that “yes, the state government is considering this matter. After discussing all relevant aspects, the government will bring it to the assembly at the appropriate time."