Hyderabad, The introduction of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill by the Uttarakhand government has sparked significant opposition from various quarters, particularly from Muslim organizations. Joining the chorus of dissent, All India Majlis Ittehad Muslimeen (AIMIM) President and Member of Parliament from Hyderabad, Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi, has criticized the bill, labeling it as nothing but a “universal Hindu code.”
Expressing his concerns on social media, Owaisi questioned the exclusion of Hindus from the purview of the proposed UCC Bill in Uttarakhand. He asked why a uniform law for succession and inheritance did not apply to Hindus, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in such legislative measures.
“Why? If you want a uniform law for succession and inheritance, why are Hindus excluded? Can the law be uniform if it does not apply to most parts of your state?” queried Owaisi.
The AIMIM President highlighted various aspects of the UCC, including polygamy, halala, and live-in relationships, which have become topics of discussion. Owaisi drew attention to the fact that while these issues are being debated, questions regarding the exclusion of undivided Hindu families from the UCC remain unaddressed.
He further raised constitutional and legal concerns regarding the UCC, questioning the exclusion of tribals and the potential violation of fundamental rights. Owaisi argued that the UCC, as presented by the Uttarakhand government, goes against constitutional principles and contradicts existing central laws, including the Shariat Act, Hindu Marriage Act, SMA, and ISA.
Highlighting the Modi government’s stance in the Supreme Court that the UCC can only be enacted by Parliament, Owaisi emphasized the need for comprehensive legal scrutiny and consent from the President of India. He asserted that enforcing a different system on religious practices related to inheritance and marriage would constitute a violation of Article 25 and 29 of the Indian Constitution.
As the debate around the UCC intensifies, it remains to be seen how legal experts, lawmakers, and the wider public will engage with the complexities and implications of this proposed legislation.