UCC row: Centre, Opposition locked horns at Uniform Civil Code | Check top updates here

Opposition parties and the Centre have locked horns over the Uniform Civil Code controversy. PM Modi has pushed for the implementation of UCC, while the opposition leaders warn the government of potential law and order issues if the common law comes into effect in India. 

A Uniform Civil Code (UCC) refers to a common set of laws that are applicable to all citizens and is not based on religion in dealing with marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption among other personal matters.

According to PM Modi, having two separate sets of laws is not sustainable for the country, and he believes that the Uniform Civil Code is an integral part of the Constitution.

He expressed his support for the UCC and emphasized the importance of having a single set of laws for the entire country. He highlighted the principle of equality enshrined in the Constitution of India and questioned the feasibility of having different rules for different family members.

Here's a 10-point guide on Uniform Civil Code

1) Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt alleged the Congress was raising concerns about UCC to push its policy of "appeasement politics" and asked the party to refrain from "creating misapprehensions" about it.

2) The AIADMK's released its election manifesto stating that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) could potentially harm the religious freedoms of minority communities in India.

3) Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen believes that the Uniform Civil Code is not new, but a ‘difficult’ issue. The 90-year-old economist also said the UCC indeed has a link with advancing the idea of ‘Hindu Rashtra’.

4) Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) also strongly oppose any move to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and appealed to the people of the state to collectively oppose it.

5) Slamming the central government over the UCC row, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) leader Bhaskar Jadhav said that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party wants to polarise votes.

6) Rajya Sabha MP and Veteran Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should inform the country what is the proposal for the UCC. 

7) The Congress-led UDF opposition in Kerala on Wednesday continued its attack on the ruling CPI(M) over the issue of the UCC, accusing it of having "double standards" in the matter and daring the Left party to renounce the stand of its former leader EMS Namboodiripad, who was in favor of a common personal law for all citizens.

8) However, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar said once the Uniform Civil Code is implemented it will put an end to religious rites and the practice of untouchability.

9) Earlier on Monday a meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice meeting was held under the Chairmanship of BJP Leader Sushil Kumar Modi in Parliament to discuss the agenda of the Uniform Civil Code.

10) In the BJP's 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto, the party had promised the implementation of UCC if it came to power.

(With inputs from agencies)