The Law Commission has extended the deadline for submitting views and opinions on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) until July 28. Initially, the public and organizations were asked to provide their input by June 14, but the deadline was later extended.
In a public notice, the law panel stated that the extension was granted in response to the overwhelming public response and numerous requests for more time. Interested individuals, institutions, and organizations can now submit their comments on the UCC through the commission’s website until July 28.
Meanwhile, the Akali Dal has expressed its opposition to the proposed UCC and urged the Law Commission to reconsider. The party believes that implementing the UCC without a countrywide interfaith consensus would violate the spirit of the Constitution and create fear and distrust. In a letter, the President of Shiromani Akali Dal, Sukhbir Singh Badal, emphasized that uniformity should not be confused with unity, as India symbolizes unity in diversity rather than uniformity. He suggested that a truly federal structure would be more effective in resolving problems and making India a global superpower. Sukhbir Singh Badal also highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and communal harmony in Punjab, a sensitive border state that should remain a top national priority.
The President of SAD further conveyed to the Law Commission that the party had conducted consultations with various stakeholders within and outside the state. Based on these discussions, they found that the implementation of the UCC would likely impact the freedom of minority communities with different castes, creeds, and religions.
The debate surrounding the UCC gained momentum when Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for its implementation during a rally in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
