'Current civil code is discriminatory': PM Modi bats for secular UCC in Independence Day speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Aug 15) came out in full support of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) during his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort. PM Modi said a secular UCC was the need of the hour as the current civil codes were 'discriminatory' and 'communal'.

PM Modi was addressing the country from the iconic Mughal monument for the first time after securing a third term in office.

"The Supreme Court has repeatedly held discussions on uniform civil code, given orders, because a large section of the country feels, and rightly so, that the current civil code is a communal civil code, a discriminatory civil code," said PM Modi.

"The Constitution tells us, the Supreme Court tells us to and it was the dream of the Constitution makers. So it is our duty to fulfill it."

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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader alsourged for suggestions and opinions from the public regarding UCC.

"There must be widespread discussions, everyone should come forward with their opinions and laws that divide the country on religious lines must be done away with. They have no place in a modern society. Time demands a secular civil code. And then we will be free of religious discrimination."

For PM Modi and the BJP, UCC remains an ideological promise that it has made to the country's electorate time and again to sweep the votes.However, despite being in power for 10 years, the Modi government has remained reluctant to take the decisive step, perhaps not to anger a significant portion of the minorities. But the speech by PM Modi on Thursday suggests that the government might finally be taking the plunge.

What is the UCC?

UCC is a comprehensive set of common laws for all religions governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, custody, alimony and others. It aims at ensuring equality among all religions.

Although the complete form of UCC is under debate, a fair idea finds a mention in the Indian Constitution.Article 44 mentions the "state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India".

The Supreme Court of India has time and again nudged various governments to bring in the UCC, as it is a vociferous supporter of the same.

"There has been no attempt to frame a Uniform Civil Code applicable to all citizens of the country despite exhortations of this court in the case of Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano and Sarla Mudgal and Others vs Union of India and Others," the apex court said in 2019.

Similarly, in November 2021, the Allahabad High Court highlighted that the UCC is mandatory.

(With inputs from agencies)