Indian Society Is Becoming 'Homogeneous': Delhi HC Backs Uniform Civil Code

Delhi High Court stated that a Uniform Civil Code in India would enable uniform principles to be applied in matters of marriage, divorce, and succession.

Delhi High Court | Pic Courtesy: Getty Images

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Friday backed the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the country and asked the Centre to initiate necessary steps in this regard.

Noting the modern Indian society is gradually becoming “homogeneous”, dissipating traditional barriers of religion, community and caste, the High Court observed there is the need for a Code that is "common to all" in the country.

The High Court stated that a Uniform Civil Code in India, as envisioned under Constitution’s Article 44, would enable uniform principles to be applied in matters of marriage, divorce, and succession.

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Justice Prathiba M. Singh, who passed the judgment, said this will reduce conflicts and contradictions within the society that arise from various personal laws.

Observing that the courts have been repeatedly confronted with the conflicts that arise in personal laws, she said: “Youth of India belonging to various communities, tribes, castes, or religions who solemnize their marriages ought not to be forced to struggle with issues arising due to conflicts in various personal laws.”

The Uniform Civil Code, which seeks to scrap the separate civil laws applicable for minorities in religious and cultural affairs, would put in place a set of laws to govern the personal matters of the citizens irrespective of their religion.