Uniform Civil Code: Law Panel Seeks Opinions Afresh From Public, Religious Organisations

The 21st Law Commission, the term of which ended in August 2018, examined the issue and sought the views of all the stakeholders on two occasions over a Uniform Civil Code.

The Law Commission has given 30 days to present the views before it. ( Image Source :Getty Images )

New Delhi: The Law Commission on Wednesday said that it has decided to again look at the need for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and seek the views of various stakeholders, including members of the public and religious organisations.

"Since more than three years have lapsed from the date of issuance of the said consultation paper, bearing in mind the relevance and importance of the subject and also the various court orders on the subject, the 22nd Law Commission of India considered it expedient to deliberate afresh over the subject," the panel said in a statement.

The 22nd Law Commission of India decided again to solicit views and ideas of the public at large and recognized religious organizations about the Uniform Civil Code. Those who are interested and willing may present their views within a period of 30 days from the date of Notice… pic.twitter.com/s9ZV9WqKU4

— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2023

"Accordingly, the 22nd Law Commission of India decided again to solicit views and ideas of the public at large and recognised religious organisations about the Uniform Civil Code," the statement added.

The panel further said that those who are interested and willing may present their views within a period of 30 days from the date of notice through “click here” button or by email at 'membersecretary-lci@gov.in' to the Law Commission of India.

Notably, earlier, the 21st Law Commission, the term of which ended in August 2018, examined the issue and sought the views of all the stakeholders on two occasions on the politically sensitive matter of a Uniform Civil Code. Following that, a consultation paper on "Reforms of Family Law" was issued in 2018.

The 22nd Law Commission that recently got a three-year extension, has accordingly begun examining issues related to a UCC on a reference sent by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

It is to be noted that the Uniform Civil Code proposes to introduce a common set of personal laws that would apply to all citizens equally, irrespective of their religion, gender, and caste. The Uniform Civil Code essentially refers to a common set of laws governing the personal matters such as marriage, divorce, adoption, inheritance, and succession.