Modi Government examining Uniform Civil Code!

The government has received representations for "bringing in" a Uniform Civil Code but no "rigid time frame" can be suggested on the issue as the matter is sensitive and needs wider consultations, Lok Sabha was informed today. In a written response, Law Minister D V Sadananda Gowda said Article 44 of the Constitution sets implementation of a Uniform Civil Code as duty of the state. "The government is receiving representations for brining in a Uniform Civil Code as envisaged under Article 44 of the Constitution, which are being examined by the government," he said. But at the same time, he made it clear that in view of the importance of the subject and "sensitivity" involved, "wider consultation with stakeholders would be required" for taking further steps in this regard and "it may not be possible to lay down any rigid time frame in the matter". The Law Minister, however, refrained from answering a question on whether it has "initiated" consultations with stakeholders to draft a code. A few months ago, Gowda had told reporters that a Uniform Civil Code is necessary for national integration but any decision to bring it can be taken only after wider consultations. Gowda had said "wider consultations" will be held with various personal law boards and other stakeholders to evolve a consensus and the process may take some time. "Even the Preamble of our Constitution and Article 44 of the Constitution do say that there should be a Uniform Civil Code. For the interest of national integration, certainly a common civil code is necessary. But it is a very sensitive issue. It needs very wider consultation," Gowda had said in October last.