'Since The Matter Is Sub-Judice...': Govt's Update In Lok Sabha On Uniform Civil Code Implementation

The uniform civil code was one of the main poll promises of the ruling BJP during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

A view of Parliament building

Source : Getty Images

The Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Friday that no decision had been taken as of now on the implementation of a uniform civil code in the country. The uniform civil code was one of the main poll promises of the ruling BJP during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said the matter pertaining to uniform civil code was sub-judice.

"There are some writ petitions pending in the Supreme Court regarding the uniform civil code issue. Since the matter is sub-judice, no decision on the implementation of the uniform civil code in the country has been taken as of now," PTI quoted Rijiju as saying.

The minister said legislative interventions ensure gender and religion-neutral uniform laws.

A Uniform Civil Code aims to formulate one law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in their personal matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption etc. 

Article 44 of the Constitution lays down that the state shall endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for the citizens throughout the territory of India.

READ | Uttarakhand Will Be ‘First’ To Implement Uniform Civil Code: CM Dhami

"...hence, the states are also empowered to legislate upon them. The 21st Law Commission of India undertook examination of various issues relating to uniform civil code and uploaded a consultation paper titled 'Reform of Family Law' on its website for wider discussions," Rijiju further said.

Earlier this year, the BJP government in Uttarakhand passed a proposal to implement Uniform Civil Code in the state.