Mahayuti backs retired HC judge-led panel to study UCC; opposition seeks 'inclusive approach'

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. FILE PIC

Leaders of the ruling Mahayuti alliance on Tuesday backed the Maharashtra government's decision to constitute a committee headed by a retired high court judge to study and submit a report on the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. The opposition, however, said any such law should be introduced in an "inclusive" manner.

Speaking to IANS, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane said, "The UCC is mentioned in the Constitution. Whoever believes and accepts Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution will have to accept the UCC."

Targeting those opposing the proposed law, Rane added, "Those who want to follow or believe in Sharia law, can go to a nation where it is followed. In our country, we follow the Constitution, and our Constitution mentions the UCC. We will implement it."

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Shiv Sena has always maintained a positive stand on the issue.

"The position of Bal Thackeray was also the same. There should be one law for the entire country -- a Uniform Civil Code. Everyone should receive equal justice. This has always been Shiv Sena's position," he told reporters.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sudhir Mungantiwar said discussions on the safety, protection, and welfare of women should not be viewed through the lens of religion.

NCP, Congress call for inclusive approach to UCC

"When discussions take place in the State Assembly about the safety, protection, and welfare of women, our position has always been that women's suffering should not be viewed through the lens of religion," stated Mungantiwar.

Emphasising that no religion permits the oppression or disrespect of women, he added, "We will raise our voice against atrocities on women irrespective of any religion."

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sana Malik said her party was not opposed to the UCC but stressed that it should be implemented in an inclusive manner.

"We have absolutely no opposition to the UCC. However, since the UCC has not yet been introduced, it should be brought in an inclusive manner, keeping in mind that Article 25 of the Constitution gives everyone the right to practice and follow their own customs and traditions. That is our position," stated Malik.

Congress leader Arif Naseem Khan said the government was within its rights to constitute a committee to review or discuss any issue but questioned the timing of the move.

"The question that arises is about the timing. The issue of the UCC was raised in the Legislature through a Bharatiya Janata Party member, and a decision to constitute a committee was announced," Khan stated.

Congress questions timing of UCC panel, cites Article 25 protections

"Somewhere, this appears to be diverting attention from the real issues bothering the people of Maharashtra," he added.

He further said that the Congress would discuss any measure taken within the framework of the Constitution and in the interest of the people.

"Article 25 of the Constitution gives every community, every religion, every language group, and every section of society living in this country, the right to practice and follow their faith and religious traditions. If the Bharatiya Janata Party tries to interfere with those rights, then the Congress will certainly oppose it," he told IANS.

(With IANS inputs)