Private Member's Bill On Uniform Civil Code Introduced In Rajya Sabha Amid Opposition

The Bharatiya Janata Party's Kirodi Lal Meena introduced The Uniform Civil Code in India Bill, 2020 as a Private Member Bill in the Rajya Sabha today, sparking outrage.

Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar

Source : PTI

A controversial private member's Bill that seeks to provide for a panel to prepare a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on Friday.

The 'Uniform Civil Code in India Bill, 2020' was introduced in the Upper House despite opposition party protests.

During private member's business, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kirodi Lal Meena moved for leave to introduce a Bill to allow for the formation of a national inspection and investigation commission for the creation of a Uniform Civil Code and its implementation throughout India, as well as matters associated therewith.

However, opposition parliamentarians from the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), and Trinamool Congress condemned Bill's presentation, claiming that it would "destroy" the country's social fabric and unity in diversity.

With the Opposition members calling for Bill's withdrawal, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar called for a division, and the resolution to introduce the Bill was approved with 63 votes in favour and 23 votes against.

Previously, although being nominated for introduction, the Bill was not advanced in the Upper House.

The Bill envisions a set of laws to defend the personal rights of all citizens, regardless of religion. The Bill also establishes the National Inspection and Investigation Committee to prepare the Uniform Civil Code and ensure its application throughout India.

Harnath Singh Yadav, a BJP MP, issued a Zero Hour Notice in the Rajya Sabha to discuss the country's adoption of the Uniform Civil Code.

The BJP promised in its Gujarat campaign to implement the Uniform Civil Code, and the Bill was introduced in the upper house just a day after PM Modi's historic victory in his home state.

In its 2019 Lok Sabha election manifesto, the BJP has promised to implement UCC if elected.