Building a Harmonious Nation: PM Urges Implementation of Uniform Civil Code
New Delhi: During his address to party workers in Madhya Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a thought-provoking question about the practice of 'triple talaq' in Islam. He questioned why Muslim-majority countries like Egypt, Indonesia, Qatar, Jordan, Syria, Bangladesh, and Pakistan do not follow this practice if it is considered an integral part of Islam. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a Uniform Civil Code, highlighting the impracticality of having different rules for different family members. He argued that a country cannot function effectively with two sets of laws. He also mentioned that Egypt, with a Sunni Muslim population of 90 percent, abolished triple talaq several decades ago.
The Prime Minister expressed that those who support triple talaq solely for the sake of gaining votes are doing a great disservice to Muslim daughters.
The Prime Minister emphasized that triple talaq not only affects women but also tears apart entire families. When a woman, who was married with high hopes, is abruptly divorced through triple talaq, it causes deep anguish and worry for her parents and siblings.
Prime Minister Modi expressed concern that certain individuals aim to use triple talaq as a tool to continue oppressing Muslim daughters. He highlighted that those who support triple talaq are the ones advocating for this oppressive practice.
The Prime Minister added that Muslim sisters and daughters consistently support the BJP and himself, as they recognize his commitment to their welfare and rights.
The Prime Minister criticized those who oppose the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), suggesting that they are deliberately instigating certain individuals for their personal gains.
The Prime Minister urged Indian Muslims to recognize the political parties that manipulate and harm them for their own advantages. He emphasized that our Constitution upholds the principle of equal rights for all citizens. Additionally, he mentioned that the Supreme Court has also called for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.
PM Modi strongly criticized those who accuse the BJP, asserting that if they genuinely cared about the well-being of Muslims, then a significant number of families from the community wouldn't face educational and employment disparities, leading to a challenging life.
The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act prohibits the practice of instant triple talaq and carries a prison sentence of up to three years. The Supreme Court has clarified that there is no restriction on granting anticipatory bail in such cases, as long as the court listens to the woman filing the complaint before granting pre-arrest bail.
Implementing a Uniform Civil Code entails establishing a single law applicable to all citizens of the country, irrespective of their religious beliefs. This code would cover personal laws, as well as laws related to inheritance, adoption, and succession. Some states, such as Uttarakhand, are currently in the process of formulating their own common code.
Recently, the Law Commission initiated a fresh consultation process to gather input from various stakeholders, including the public and recognized religious organizations, on the politically sensitive matter of the Uniform Civil Code.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in a recent statement, emphasized that the Uniform Civil Code is a part of the Directive Principles of the Constitution of India. He further criticized the opposition for exaggerating the issue and labeling it as mere "politics of vote bank."