Uniform Civil Code politically motivated, will pose risk to constitution: Retd Prof of University of Hyderabad
Hyderabad: The Central government’s proposal for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is considerably more intricate than the criminal code and presents challenges in implementation due to India’s extensive diversity, according to G. Haragopal, a retired professor from the University of Hyderabad.
Over the past 75 years, no substantial efforts have been made to foster acceptance for the UCC. Furthermore, the draft UCC has not been made publicly available by the Centre, and the 21st Law Commission explicitly stated that its introduction is currently unnecessary and undesirable.
Mr. Haragopal expressed his view that while India has successfully established a common criminal code, the UCC introduces a significantly different set of complexities. He attributed the sudden emergence of the UCC, spearheaded by the BJP-led NDA government, to political motivations in anticipation of the 2024 elections.
During a seminar titled ‘Uniform Civil Code and its feasibility,’ organized by the All India Lawyers’ Union (AILU)’s AP High Court Committee, Mr. Haragopal emphasized that the BJP seemed to have brought up the UCC without adequately considering its repercussions on tribal communities and other segments of society.
He cautioned that any alteration in laws would carry far-reaching consequences, even posing a risk to the Constitution itself. While the Centre remains determined to implement the UCC, Mr. Haragopal asserted that moving forward without adequately preparing society for these changes is unwise.
Mr. Haragopal speculated that the UCC might be part of a broader strategy to adopt a constitution formulated by the RSS, a plan he predicted could materialize around the time of the next Kumbh Mela. He pointed out that the RSS has not embraced the Indian Constitution, National Anthem, or National Flag.
Notable figures such as senior advocate A. Satya Prasad, AILU State general secretary Narra Srinivasa Rao, vice-president S. Durga Srinivasa Rao, and others also shared their perspectives at the seminar.
