BJP MP Sushil Modi, chairman of the Parliamentary panel on law, vouched for keeping tribals, including those in the North East, out of the purview of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) during a meeting on the issue on Monday. However, some of the Opposition members questioned the Law Commission's timing of the move to begin consultations on UCC, with those from Congress and DMK linking it to the 2024 Lok Sabha election, PTI reported.
During the discussion it was clarified that the 2018 Law Commission suggestion on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), often cited by the Opposition, was merely a consultation paper and not an official recommendation. The committee's meeting made it clear that the proposal does not need further debate or deliberation, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee meeting was convened to hear the views of representatives of the law panel and legal affairs and legislative departments of the Law Ministry on the consultation process.
Sources told ABP Live that the committee had received an astounding response from the public, with a remarkable 19 lakh suggestions submitted.
Sushil Modi pitched for keeping tribals out of the ambit of any proposed UCC and noted that all laws have exceptions. It was also pointed out in the meeting that Central laws were not applicable in some North Eastern states without their nod, PTI reported.
During the meeting, committee members raised questions concerning the intentions of the Central government, emphasizing the necessity of approaching the UCC issue with careful deliberation and a comprehensive perspective. They stressed the importance of ensuring that the UCC addresses matters pertaining to every religion, caste, and community in society, rather than focusing solely on single-family law.
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Sources informed ABP Live that, at this stage, the committee does not intend to make immediate decisions or issue orders. Instead, the committee aims to maintain transparency and assess the ongoing developments surrounding the Uniform Civil Code.
Members during the meeting also expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on the Sikh community, particularly concerning the Anand Marriage Act, which governs Sikh marriages.
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Furthermore, discussions focused on the need to safeguard the interests of tribals, especially in the northeastern states, to prevent any disproportionate effects resulting from the implementation of the UCC. It was emphasized that any changes must undergo the appropriate legislative processes within these regions.